I couldn’t believe it: Ricky Ponting on India not picking Shubman Gill in T20 World Cup squad
The recently announced Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 has sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing community, with one of the most surprising omissions being that of Shubman Gill. The young batsman has been in phenomenal form, showcasing his skills in various formats of the game. However, the Indian selectors have decided to leave him out of the squad, a decision that has left many experts and fans stunned. Among them is former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who expressed his disbelief at Gill’s exclusion.
Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, stated that he couldn’t believe 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. These comments from Ponting highlight the immense talent that Gill possesses and the high standards of Indian cricket, which have led to his exclusion from the squad.
Gill, who is just 23 years old, has already made a significant impact in international cricket. He has played 10 T20Is for India, scoring 205 runs at an average of 25.62 and a strike rate of 129.41. Although these numbers may not be extraordinary, they demonstrate Gill’s potential and ability to perform on the biggest stage. Moreover, his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other domestic competitions have been impressive, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting young batsmen in the world.
Ponting’s comments also underscore the incredible depth of Indian cricket. The country has a vast pool of talented players, and the competition for spots in the national team is extremely fierce. The fact that someone as skilled as Gill can be left out of the squad is a testament to the high standards of Indian cricket. It also reflects the selectors’ confidence in the chosen squad and their ability to perform well in the tournament.
The exclusion of Gill from the T20 World Cup squad has sparked a debate among cricket fans and experts. While some have questioned the selectors’ decision, others have pointed out that the squad is well-balanced and capable of performing well in the tournament. However, it is difficult to argue with Ponting’s assessment, given his experience and knowledge of the game. As someone who has played and coached at the highest level, his opinions carry significant weight, and his surprise at Gill’s omission is telling.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to be a highly competitive tournament, with several teams vying for the top prize. India, with their rich cricketing history and talented squad, will be one of the favorites to win the tournament. Although the omission of Gill may have raised some eyebrows, the team’s chances of success remain high. The selectors have chosen a squad that they believe has the best chance of winning, and it is up to the players to perform and justify their selection.
In conclusion, Ricky Ponting’s comments on Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the Indian T20 World Cup squad have added fuel to the debate surrounding the selection. While it is surprising to see someone as talented as Gill left out, it also highlights the depth and quality of Indian cricket. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the Indian team, and their performance will be closely watched. Whether or not the selectors’ decision to omit Gill proves to be correct, one thing is certain – the T20 World Cup 2026 will be an exciting and highly competitive tournament.
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