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 23-year-old has been in scintillating form in recent times, impressing fans and experts alike with his elegant strokeplay and ability to dominate opposition bowlers. 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 Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, expressed his shock and disbelief at the decision to leave Gill out of the 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 highlight the incredible depth and talent that Indian cricket possesses at the moment. The country has a vast pool of skilled players, and the competition for places in the national team is fierce. While Gill’s omission may have been a surprise to many, it is a testament to the high standards that Indian cricket has set for itself. The team’s selectors have a difficult job in choosing the best players for each tournament, and sometimes, tough decisions have to be made.
Gill, who has been playing for the Indian team in various formats, has been in outstanding form in recent times. He has scored heavily in domestic cricket and has also impressed in international matches, showcasing his ability to adapt to different conditions and opposition. His exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad has raised eyebrows, with many fans and experts feeling that he deserved a place in the team.
However, as Ponting pointed out, the decision to leave Gill out of the squad is a reflection of the strength and depth of Indian cricket. The team has a number of talented players who can perform well in different conditions, and the selectors have to make difficult choices to pick the best squad for each tournament. While Gill may have been unlucky to miss out on a place in the squad, he will undoubtedly get more opportunities in the future to showcase his skills and prove himself at the international level.
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 put in a strong performance and bring home the trophy. While the omission of Gill may have been a surprise, the team has a number of other talented players who can step up and perform well in the tournament.
In conclusion, the decision to leave Shubman Gill out of the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 has raised eyebrows, but it is a testament to the depth and talent of Indian cricket. As Ricky Ponting pointed out, the fact that someone as good as Gill can be left out of the squad shows just how many good players India has. The team’s selectors have a difficult job in choosing the best players for each tournament, and sometimes, tough decisions have to be made. While Gill may have been unlucky to miss out on a place in the squad, he will undoubtedly get more opportunities in the future to showcase his skills and prove himself at the international level.
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