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 has been in scintillating form in recent times, showcasing his exceptional batting skills and cementing his position as one of the most promising players in the country. However, despite his impressive performances, Gill was overlooked by the Indian selectors, who opted to go with other players in the squad.
The decision to leave out Gill has sparked a heated debate among cricket fans and experts, with many questioning the wisdom of the selectors. One such expert who has weighed in on the issue is former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who expressed his surprise and disappointment at Gill’s omission. In a recent interview, Ponting stated 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. “If you can think that someone as good as Gill doesn’t get picked in the 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 possesses, and how the country’s cricket ecosystem is thriving with a plethora of skilled players.
Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, knows a thing or two about building a strong team. During his tenure as Australian captain, he led the team to unprecedented success, including two World Cup titles. His expertise and insights into the game are invaluable, and his comments on Gill’s omission carry significant weight.
Gill, who made his international debut in 2019, has been making waves in the cricket world with his impressive performances. He has scored over 1,500 runs in T20 cricket, with an average of 35 and a strike rate of 140. His ability to play big shots and rotate the strike has made him a valuable asset to any team. Despite his impressive record, however, Gill was overlooked by the Indian selectors, who opted to go with other players in the squad.
The decision to leave out Gill has raised questions about the selection process and the criteria used to pick the squad. While the selectors may have had their reasons for omitting Gill, it is difficult to argue with Ponting’s assessment that the young batsman is “as good as” any other player in the Indian team. Gill’s omission is a testament to the incredible depth of Indian cricket, where talented players are often forced to sit out due to the intense competition for spots in the team.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be a highly competitive tournament, with several teams vying for the top prize. India, who are one of the favorites to win the tournament, will be looking to make a strong impression with their squad. While the omission of Gill may have raised eyebrows, the team still possesses a wealth of talent, including the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the Indian team, who will be looking to make a strong statement. Despite the omission of Gill, the team still has the potential to go all the way and lift the trophy. However, the decision to leave out the young batsman will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion throughout the tournament, with many fans and experts wondering what could have been if Gill had been included in the squad.
In conclusion, the omission of Shubman Gill from the Indian T20 World Cup 2026 squad has sparked a heated debate, with many questioning the wisdom of the selectors. Ricky Ponting’s comments on the issue have added fuel to the fire, highlighting the incredible depth of Indian cricket and the talent that the country possesses. While the decision to leave out Gill may have been surprising, it is a testament to the intense competition for spots in the Indian team. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the Indian team, who will be looking to make a strong impression and bring home the trophy.
About the Author
