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 batsman has been in phenomenal form, showcasing his skills in various formats of the game, and many expected him to be a shoo-in for the World Cup squad. However, the selectors had other plans, and Gill was left out of the 15-man squad.
The news of Gill’s exclusion sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing fraternity, with many experts and former players expressing their surprise and disappointment at the decision. One such voice was that of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who couldn’t believe that India didn’t pick Gill in the T20 World Cup 2026 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 the World Cup squad…then it goes to show how many good players they have,” he added. Ponting’s comments reflect the general sentiment among cricket fans and pundits, who are struggling to understand the logic behind Gill’s exclusion.
Gill has been one of the most impressive young batsmen to emerge from India in recent years. He has already shown his class in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has been a consistent performer for the Indian team in various formats. His ability to play long innings and his impressive strike rate make him an asset to any team. Therefore, it was expected that he would be a part of the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup.
However, the Indian selectors had other plans, and Gill was left out of the squad in favor of other players. While the selectors’ decision may have been based on various factors, including team dynamics and strategy, it is hard to argue with Ponting’s assessment that Gill’s exclusion is a testament to the depth of Indian cricket.
Indian cricket has indeed become a powerhouse in recent years, with a plethora of talented players emerging from the country. The team’s success in various formats has been built on the back of a strong domestic structure, which has produced a steady stream of talented players. The fact that someone as good as Gill can be left out of the World Cup squad is a reflection of the intense competition for places in the Indian team.
Ponting’s comments also highlight the challenges faced by the Indian selectors in choosing a squad for the T20 World Cup. With so many talented players to choose from, the selectors have to make tough decisions, often leaving out players who would walk into other teams. While Gill’s exclusion may be a surprise, it is a reminder that the Indian team is blessed with an abundance of talent, and the selectors have to make difficult choices to put together the best possible squad.
The exclusion of Gill from the T20 World Cup squad has sparked a debate about the selection process and the criteria used to choose players for the team. While the selectors may have their reasons for leaving out Gill, it is hard to argue with the fact that he is one of the most talented young batsmen in the country. His omission from the squad has left many fans and experts wondering what the selectors were thinking.
As the T20 World Cup approaches, the Indian team will be under intense scrutiny, and the selectors’ decisions will be put to the test. While Gill’s exclusion may be a surprise, it is a reminder that the Indian team is a formidable force in world cricket, with a wealth of talent at its disposal. As Ponting said, the fact that someone as good as Gill can be left out of the squad is a testament to the depth of Indian cricket.
In conclusion, the exclusion of Shubman Gill from the Indian T20 World Cup squad has sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing world. While the selectors may have their reasons for leaving him out, it is hard to argue with the fact that he is one of the most talented young batsmen in the country. Ricky Ponting’s comments reflect the general sentiment among cricket fans and pundits, who are struggling to understand the logic behind Gill’s exclusion. As the T20 World Cup approaches, the Indian team will be under intense scrutiny, and the selectors’ decisions will be put to the test.
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