I couldn’t believe it: Ricky Ponting on India not picking Shubman Gill in T20 World Cup squad
The cricketing world was left stunned when the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 was announced, and one of the most talented young batsmen, Shubman Gill, was not included in the team. The news sent shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity, with many experts and former players expressing their surprise and disappointment at the decision. One such expert is former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who recently spoke out about his astonishment at Gill’s exclusion from the squad.
Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in the history of cricket, said 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 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 reflect the general sentiment among cricket fans and experts, who believe that Gill’s omission is a significant surprise, given his impressive performances in recent times.
Shubman Gill has been one of the most promising young batsmen in Indian cricket, with a string of impressive performances in domestic and international cricket. He has been a key player for the Indian team in various formats, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, and has been praised for his technical skills, temperament, and ability to perform under pressure. Despite his impressive credentials, however, Gill was not included in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, a decision that has been widely questioned by experts and fans alike.
Ponting’s comments on Gill’s exclusion are significant, given his own experience as a player and captain. As one of the most successful captains in the history of cricket, Ponting knows what it takes to build a winning team, and his opinion on Gill’s omission carries weight. By saying that he is surprised at Gill’s exclusion, Ponting is echoing the sentiments of many cricket fans and experts, who believe that Gill’s inclusion in the squad would have strengthened the Indian team’s batting lineup.
Moreover, Ponting’s comments also highlight the depth of Indian cricket, which is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and talented cricketing nations in the world. India has a vast pool of talented players, and the competition for places in the national team is fierce. As Ponting noted, the fact that someone as good as Gill doesn’t get picked in the World Cup squad is a testament to the depth of Indian cricket, and the number of good players that the country has.
The decision to exclude Gill from the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked a lot of debate and discussion among cricket fans and experts. While some have argued that the selectors have made a mistake by leaving out Gill, others have pointed out that the squad is well-balanced and has a good mix of experience and youth. However, most experts agree that Gill’s omission is a surprise, given his impressive performances in recent times.
In conclusion, Ricky Ponting’s comments on Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 reflect the general sentiment among cricket fans and experts. Ponting’s surprise at Gill’s omission is a testament to the young batsman’s talent and potential, and highlights the depth of Indian cricket. As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on the Indian team, and how they perform without one of their most talented young batsmen.