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 young batting sensation Shubman Gill. The decision to leave out Gill, who has been in impressive form in recent times, raised eyebrows among cricket fans and experts alike. 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 captains in cricket history, expressed his shock and disbelief at Gill’s exclusion from the Indian team. “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 and depth that Indian cricket possesses. The fact that a player of Gill’s caliber can be left out of the World Cup squad is a testament to the intense competition for places in the Indian team. Gill, who has been impressive in his limited-overs career, has been one of the most consistent performers for India in recent times. His omission from the World Cup squad has sparked a debate among cricket fans, with many questioning the selectors’ decision.
However, as Ponting pointed out, the decision to leave out Gill is a reflection of the immense talent that India has at its disposal. The Indian team has a plethora of talented players, and the competition for places is fierce. The selectors had to make some tough decisions, and unfortunately for Gill, he was one of the players who missed out.
Despite the surprise and disappointment surrounding Gill’s exclusion, Ponting’s comments also highlight the positives of Indian cricket. The fact that India has so many talented players that it can afford to leave out someone like Gill is a testament to the country’s rich cricketing talent. It also speaks to the strong domestic structure and the emphasis on developing young players that has been put in place by the Indian cricket board.
Ponting’s comments also underscore the challenges that selectors face when picking a team for a major tournament like the World Cup. The selectors have to balance a number of factors, including form, experience, and team dynamics, when making their decisions. It’s never an easy task, and there will always be some tough decisions that have to be made.
In the case of Gill, it’s likely that the selectors had to weigh his claims against those of other players who were also vying for a spot in the team. While Gill has been impressive in his limited-overs career, there may have been other players who were seen as better suited to the conditions and the team’s needs.
Ultimately, the decision to leave out Gill will be debated by cricket fans and experts for a long time to come. However, as Ponting pointed out, it’s a reflection of the incredible depth and talent that Indian cricket possesses. The fact that India can afford to leave out a player of Gill’s caliber is a testament to the country’s strong cricketing culture and the emphasis on developing young players.
As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on the Indian team and how they perform without Gill in the squad. While his omission is a surprise, it’s also a reminder of the challenges and complexities of selecting a team for a major tournament. One thing is for sure, though – the Indian team will be one of the teams to watch in the World Cup, and their performances will be closely followed by cricket fans around the world.
In conclusion, Ricky Ponting’s comments on Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the Indian T20 World Cup squad highlight the incredible talent and depth that Indian cricket possesses. While the decision to leave out Gill is a surprise, it’s also a reflection of the intense competition for places in the Indian team and the strong domestic structure that has been put in place. As the cricket world looks forward to the T20 World Cup 2026, one thing is for sure – the Indian team will be one of the teams to watch, and their performances will be closely followed by cricket fans around the world.
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