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 team announced their 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 in recent times, and many experts had tipped 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 was particularly surprised by this decision was former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, couldn’t believe that India had left out a player of Gill’s caliber from their 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 are a testament to the incredible talent that India has at its disposal. The country has a vast pool of skilled cricketers, and the competition for places in the national team is fiercely intense. Gill, despite his impressive performances, was unable to break into the squad, and this is a reflection of the high standards that Indian cricket has set for itself.
Gill has been in outstanding form in recent times, scoring heavily in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for his state team in domestic cricket. He has also shown his ability to perform under pressure, playing crucial innings in high-stakes matches. However, despite his impressive credentials, the Indian selectors opted to go with other players, and Gill was left to ponder what could have been.
Ponting’s surprise at Gill’s omission is understandable, given the young batsman’s impressive record. Gill has been one of the most consistent performers in Indian cricket over the past year, and his exclusion from the World Cup squad is a significant blow to his chances of establishing himself as a regular member of the team. However, as Ponting pointed out, the depth of Indian cricket is such that even a player of Gill’s quality can be left out of the squad.
The Indian team’s decision to leave out Gill has sparked a heated debate among cricket fans and experts, with many questioning the selectors’ decision. Some have argued that Gill’s form and ability warrant a place in the squad, while others have pointed out that the team has a strong batting lineup and that Gill’s omission is not a significant loss.
Regardless of the reasons behind Gill’s omission, one thing is clear: the Indian team has a wealth of talent at its disposal, and the competition for places in the squad is fierce. As Ponting said, the fact that a player of Gill’s quality can be left out of the squad is a testament to the depth of Indian cricket. The country has a rich pool of talented cricketers, and the national team is spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting its squad.
In the end, the Indian team’s decision to leave out Gill may prove to be a blessing in disguise for the young batsman. He will now have the opportunity to focus on his game and work on his skills, with the aim of breaking into the squad for future tournaments. As for the Indian team, they will be hoping that their squad can deliver the goods at the T20 World Cup, and bring home the coveted trophy.
The T20 World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in international cricket, and the Indian team will be eager to make a strong impression. With a talented squad and a wealth of experience, they will be one of the favorites to win the tournament. However, as Ponting pointed out, the competition will be fierce, and the team will need to be at the top of their game if they are to succeed.
In conclusion, the Indian team’s decision to leave out Shubman Gill from their T20 World Cup squad has sparked a heated debate among cricket fans and experts. While some have questioned the selectors’ decision, others have pointed out that the team has a strong batting lineup and that Gill’s omission is not a significant loss. As Ricky Ponting said, the fact that a player of Gill’s quality can be left out of the squad is a testament to the depth of Indian cricket. The country has a rich pool of talented cricketers, and the national team is spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting its squad.
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