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, showcasing his skills in various formats of the game. However, despite his impressive performances, Gill was overlooked by the Indian selectors, who opted to go with other options.
The decision to leave out Gill from the T20 World Cup squad has sparked a lot of debate, with many experts and former players expressing their surprise and disappointment at the move. One such person is former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who has always been a keen observer of the game and has never been afraid to speak his mind.
Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, was recently asked about his thoughts on Gill’s omission from the Indian T20 World Cup squad. The Australian legend expressed his surprise at the decision, stating that he couldn’t believe Gill didn’t make the cut.
“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 always been known for producing some of the most skilled and exciting cricketers in the world, and the current crop of players is no exception. From established stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to young guns like Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad, India has a plethora of options to choose from.
However, despite the wealth of talent at their disposal, the Indian selectors’ decision to leave out Gill from the T20 World Cup squad has raised a few eyebrows. Gill has been in outstanding form in recent times, scoring runs consistently across various formats of the game. His technique, temperament, and ability to adapt to different conditions have made him one of the most exciting young batsmen in world cricket.
Gill’s omission from the Indian T20 World Cup squad has also sparked a lot of debate among fans and experts, with many feeling that he deserved a spot in the team. The young batsman has been a key player for India in various formats, and his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad has been seen as a surprise by many.
Ponting’s comments, however, put things into perspective. The Australian legend’s observation that India’s depth of talent is so great that someone as good as Gill can’t make the World Cup squad is a testament to the country’s incredible cricketing resources. It’s a reminder that India has a vast pool of talented players, and the competition for spots in the national team is fierce.
While Gill’s omission from the Indian T20 World Cup squad may be disappointing for the young batsman and his fans, it’s also a reflection of the incredible talent that India has at its disposal. As Ponting said, the fact that someone as good as Gill can’t make the World Cup squad just shows how many good players India has.
In conclusion, the Indian team’s decision to leave out Shubman Gill from their T20 World Cup squad has sparked a lot of debate, with many experts and former players expressing their surprise and disappointment at the move. However, as Ricky Ponting’s comments suggest, the decision is also a testament to the incredible depth of talent that India has in cricket. With so many skilled and exciting players to choose from, the competition for spots in the national team is fierce, and sometimes, tough decisions have to be made.
As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, Indian fans will be eager to see how their team performs, and whether the selectors’ decisions will pay off. One thing is for sure, though – with so much talent at their disposal, India will be one of the teams to watch in the tournament.
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