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 27-year-old has been in phenomenal form in recent times, showcasing his skills in various formats of the game. However, the Indian selectors decided to leave him out of the World Cup squad, a decision that has raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.
One such expert who has expressed his surprise at Gill’s omission is former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, said that he couldn’t believe India didn’t pick 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 are a testament to the incredible talent that Gill possesses. The young batsman has been making waves in the cricket world with his impressive performances, and many had expected him to be a part of the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. However, the selectors had other plans, and Gill was left out of the squad.
The decision to omit Gill from the World Cup squad has sparked a debate among cricket fans and experts, with many questioning the selectors’ decision. While some have argued that the Indian team has a strong batting lineup and Gill’s omission is not a significant loss, others have pointed out that the young batsman’s form and talent make him an invaluable asset to the team.
Ponting’s comments, however, offer a different perspective on the matter. According to the former Australian captain, Gill’s omission is a testament to the depth of Indian cricket. With a plethora of talented players to choose from, the Indian selectors had a difficult task in selecting the squad for the T20 World Cup. While Gill’s omission may have come as a surprise to many, it highlights the intense competition for places in the Indian team.
The Indian team’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 is indeed a strong one, with a mix of experienced players and young talent. The team boasts of some of the biggest names in international cricket, including captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah. However, the omission of Gill has raised questions about the team’s batting lineup, particularly in the opening slots.
Gill’s form in recent times has been phenomenal, with the young batsman scoring heavily in various formats of the game. His ability to play aggressive cricket and score quickly makes him an ideal candidate for the opening slot in the T20 format. However, the Indian selectors have opted for other players, leaving Gill out of the squad.
While Ponting’s comments offer a positive spin on Gill’s omission, it is difficult to ignore the fact that the young batsman’s exclusion is a significant loss for the Indian team. Gill’s talent and form make him an invaluable asset to the team, and his omission may come back to haunt the Indian team in the T20 World Cup.
In conclusion, the omission of Shubman Gill from the Indian team’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked a debate among cricket fans and experts. While Ricky Ponting’s comments offer a positive perspective on the matter, highlighting the depth of Indian cricket, it is difficult to ignore the fact that Gill’s exclusion is a significant loss for the team. As the T20 World Cup approaches, the Indian team will be hoping that their squad can deliver the goods and bring home the coveted title. However, the omission of Gill will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion throughout the tournament.
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