I couldn’t believe it: Ricky Ponting on India not picking Shubman Gill in T20 World Cup squad
The cricket world was left stunned when the Indian team announced its squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, and one of the most notable omissions was that of young batting sensation Shubman Gill. The 27-year-old has been in scintillating form in recent times, showcasing his skills in various formats of the game. His exclusion from the World Cup squad has sparked a heated debate among cricket enthusiasts, with many questioning the selectors’ decision. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has also weighed in on the issue, expressing his surprise at Gill’s omission.
Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, said he couldn’t believe that India didn’t pick Shubman Gill in the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. “I’m surprised, but…it just shows the depth of Indian cricket,” Ponting said. “If you can think that someone as good as Gill doesn’t get picked in World Cup squad…then it goes to show how many good players they have,” he added. Ponting’s comments highlight the immense talent that India possesses, but also raise questions about the selection process and the criteria used to choose players for the national team.
Shubman Gill has been one of the most consistent performers in Indian cricket over the past year, scoring heavily in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the international arena. His ability to play long innings and score big runs has made him a valuable asset to any team. However, despite his impressive form, Gill was overlooked for the T20 World Cup squad, with the selectors opting for other players instead. This decision has left many fans and experts scratching their heads, wondering what more Gill could have done to earn a spot in the team.
Ponting’s reaction to Gill’s omission is not surprising, given the young batsman’s impressive record. Gill has scored over 2,000 runs in T20 cricket, with an average of over 30 and a strike rate of over 140. These numbers are impressive by any standard, and it’s surprising that the Indian selectors didn’t consider him worthy of a spot in the World Cup squad. Ponting’s comments also highlight the challenges that selectors face when choosing a team, especially when there are so many talented players to choose from.
The Indian team has a long history of producing talented cricketers, and the current squad is no exception. With players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul, the team has a wealth of experience and skill. However, the omission of Shubman Gill has raised questions about the team’s batting depth and the selectors’ decision-making process. While Ponting has praised the depth of Indian cricket, he has also expressed surprise at Gill’s exclusion, suggesting that the selectors may have missed a trick by not including him in the squad.
The T20 World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in cricket, and every team wants to field its strongest possible squad. The Indian team has a good record in the tournament, having won it once in 2007. However, the competition is fierce, and the team will need to be at its best if it wants to lift the trophy. The omission of Shubman Gill has added to the pressure on the team, and the selectors will be hoping that their decisions pay off in the end.
In conclusion, Ricky Ponting’s comments on Shubman Gill’s omission from the T20 World Cup squad have sparked a heated debate in the cricket world. While Ponting has praised the depth of Indian cricket, he has also expressed surprise at Gill’s exclusion, suggesting that the selectors may have made a mistake. The Indian team has a long history of producing talented cricketers, and the current squad is no exception. However, the omission of Shubman Gill has raised questions about the team’s batting depth and the selectors’ decision-making process. As the T20 World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on the Indian team, and the selectors will be hoping that their decisions pay off in the end.
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