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 23-year-old has been in scintillating form, showcasing his skills in various formats of the game, and many expected him to be a shoo-in for the World Cup squad. However, the selectors had other plans, and Gill was left out of the 15-man squad.
The decision to leave out Gill did not go down well with many cricket experts and fans, and one of the most vocal critics of the move was former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, expressed his shock and surprise at Gill’s omission from the squad. “I’m surprised, but…it just shows the depth of Indian cricket,” Ponting said in a recent interview. “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 incredible depth of talent in Indian cricket, where even a player of Gill’s caliber can be left out of the squad due to the intense competition for places. Gill has been in exceptional form, scoring heavily in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for the Indian team in various international matches. His ability to play aggressively and score big runs has made him a favorite among fans and experts alike.
However, despite his impressive performances, Gill was overlooked by the selectors, who opted to go with other players who they believed were better suited to the team’s needs. The decision has sparked a heated debate, with many arguing that Gill’s exclusion is a mistake that could cost India dearly in the World Cup.
Ponting, who has always been an admirer of Gill’s talent, believes that the young batsman has the potential to be a game-changer for India in the World Cup. “Gill is an incredibly talented player, and I think he would have been a great asset for India in the World Cup,” Ponting said. “He has the ability to play big innings and take the game away from the opposition, which is exactly what you need in a tournament like the World Cup.”
The former Australian captain also praised the depth of Indian cricket, saying that it is a testament to the country’s rich cricketing culture and the talent that is available. “India has always been a country that produces a lot of talented cricketers, and it’s no surprise that they have such a deep pool of players to choose from,” Ponting said. “The fact that someone like Gill can be left out of the squad just shows how many good players they have, and it’s a testament to the strength of Indian cricket.”
While Ponting’s comments are a ringing endorsement of Gill’s talent, they also highlight the challenges that the young batsman faces in breaking into the Indian team. With so much competition for places, Gill will have to continue to work hard and perform consistently if he wants to force his way back into the team.
In the meantime, India will have to navigate the World Cup without one of their most promising young players. While the team has a wealth of experience and talent, the omission of Gill is a significant blow, and it remains to be seen how they will cope without him.
As the World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on India and their squad, and fans will be eager to see how they perform without Gill. While Ponting’s comments are a tribute to the young batsman’s talent, they also serve as a reminder of the intense competition and pressure that exists in international cricket.
In conclusion, the omission of Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup squad is a surprise that has left many in the cricket world stunned. Ricky Ponting’s comments are a testament to the young batsman’s talent and a reminder of the incredible depth of Indian cricket. While Gill’s exclusion is a significant blow, it also highlights the challenges that he faces in breaking into the team, and he will have to continue to work hard and perform consistently if he wants to force his way back into the squad.
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