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 sensation Shubman Gill. The 23-year-old batsman has been in scintillating form, showcasing his skills in various formats of the game, and many expected him to be a part of the Indian team for the prestigious tournament. However, the selectors had other plans, and Gill was left out of the squad. One person who couldn’t believe this decision was former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.
Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, expressed his surprise at Gill’s exclusion from the Indian T20 World Cup 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 talent that India has at its disposal, but also raise questions about the selection process and the criteria used to pick the squad.
Gill, who has already made a significant impact in international cricket, has been one of the most consistent performers for India in recent times. His impressive technique, combined with his ability to score runs at a rapid pace, makes him an attractive proposition for any team. However, despite his impressive credentials, Gill found himself out of favor with the selectors, who opted to go with other players. This decision has sparked a debate among cricket fans and experts, with many questioning the logic behind Gill’s exclusion.
Ponting’s comments are significant, as they come from someone who has a deep understanding of the game and its intricacies. As a former captain, he knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and his opinion carries weight. By expressing his surprise at Gill’s omission, Ponting is essentially saying that he believes Gill has the skills and talent to be a part of the Indian team. This endorsement from a cricket legend will undoubtedly boost Gill’s confidence and provide him with the motivation to work even harder to regain his place in the team.
The Indian team’s decision to leave out Gill has also sparked a discussion about the selection process and the factors that influence it. While the selectors may have had their reasons for omitting Gill, it is difficult to understand what those reasons could be, given his impressive form and performances. This has led to speculation about the role of politics and personal preferences in the selection process, with some suggesting that these factors may have played a part in Gill’s exclusion.
In addition to Ponting, several other former cricketers and experts have also expressed their surprise at Gill’s omission. Many have pointed out that Gill’s exclusion is a testament to the incredible depth of Indian cricket, but also argue that it is a missed opportunity for the team. With the T20 World Cup being a high-pressure tournament, experience and form are crucial, and Gill’s presence in the squad could have made a significant difference.
As the Indian team prepares to take on the best teams in the world, they will undoubtedly face tough challenges and stiff competition. While they have a talented squad, the omission of Gill has raised questions about their batting lineup and the options available to them. The team’s performance in the tournament will be closely watched, and if they struggle, the decision to leave out Gill may be revisited.
In conclusion, Ricky Ponting’s comments on Shubman Gill’s omission from the Indian T20 World Cup squad have sparked a lively debate about the selection process and the factors that influence it. While Ponting’s surprise at Gill’s exclusion is understandable, it also highlights the incredible talent that India has at its disposal. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Indian team performs and whether they can justify the decision to leave out Gill. For now, Gill will have to wait and watch, hoping that he can regain his place in the team and prove his doubters wrong.
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