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 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 phenomenal form in recent times, scoring heavily in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for the Indian team in various international matches. However, despite his impressive performances, Gill was overlooked by the Indian selectors, who opted to go with other players in the squad.
One person who was particularly surprised by Gill’s omission was former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, has been a vocal admirer of Gill’s talent and potential. Speaking to the media, Ponting expressed his shock and disappointment at Gill not being included in the Indian T20 World Cup squad.
“I’m surprised, but…it just shows the depth of Indian cricket,” Ponting said. “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 high esteem in which Gill is held by cricket experts and fans around the world. The young Indian 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 T20 World Cup squad.
Gill’s omission from the squad has sparked a lot of debate and discussion among cricket fans and experts, with many questioning the decision of the Indian selectors. While the selectors may have had their reasons for not including Gill in the squad, it is difficult to argue with Ponting’s assessment of the situation. The fact that a player of Gill’s caliber was not considered good enough to make the squad is a testament to the depth and talent of Indian cricket.
India has long been known for producing talented cricketers, and the current crop of players is no exception. The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul are just a few examples of the many talented batsmen that India has produced in recent years. However, the omission of Gill from the T20 World Cup squad suggests that the competition for places in the Indian team is fiercer than ever.
Ponting’s comments also highlight the challenges that young players like Gill face in trying to break into the Indian team. With so many talented players vying for a limited number of spots, it can be difficult for young players to get a chance to showcase their skills. However, Ponting’s praise for Gill’s talent and potential will undoubtedly be a boost to the young batsman’s confidence, and he will likely be eager to prove himself and force his way back into the Indian team.
The T20 World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in international cricket, and the competition is expected to be fierce. India will be one of the favorites to win the tournament, and the team will be looking to make a strong impression in the competition. While Gill’s omission from the squad may have been a surprise, the Indian team still has a wealth of talent at its disposal, and the players will be looking to make the most of the opportunity to represent their country on the biggest stage.
In conclusion, the omission of Shubman Gill from the Indian T20 World Cup squad has sparked a lot of debate and discussion, and Ricky Ponting’s comments have added to the conversation. While it is disappointing that Gill will not be a part of the Indian team for the tournament, the fact that a player of his caliber was not considered good enough to make the squad is a testament to the depth and talent of Indian cricket. As the tournament gets underway, cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see how the Indian team performs, and whether they can bring home the coveted title.
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