I couldn’t believe it: Ricky Ponting on India not picking Shubman Gill in T20 World Cup squad
The cricketing world was left stunned when the Indian team announced its squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, with one notable omission being young sensation Shubman Gill. The 23-year-old batting prodigy has been making waves in the cricketing circuit with his impressive performances, 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 team. One person who was particularly surprised by this decision was former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.
In a recent interview, Ponting expressed his shock and disbelief at Gill’s exclusion from the 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 World Cup squad…then it goes to show how many good players they have,” he added. Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, knows a thing or two about building a strong team. His comments suggest that he believes Gill has the potential to be a game-changer for India, and his omission is a surprise.
Gill has been in impressive form of late, scoring heavily in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for India in various international matches. His technique, temperament, and ability to adapt to different conditions have made him a favorite among fans and pundits alike. Many expected him to be a key player for India in the T20 World Cup, but it seems the selectors had other plans.
So, what could be the reasons behind Gill’s exclusion from the squad? One possible reason could be the intense competition for spots in the Indian team. With a plethora of talented players vying for a place in the squad, the selectors may have had to make some tough decisions. Additionally, the team management may have opted for more experienced players, who have a proven track record in pressure situations.
However, Ponting’s comments suggest that he believes Gill has the X-factor, and his exclusion could be a missed opportunity for India. “I couldn’t believe it,” Ponting said, emphasizing his surprise at Gill’s omission. As someone who has played against and watched some of the greatest teams in cricket history, Ponting’s opinions carry significant weight. His comments are likely to spark a debate about the Indian team’s selection policies and whether they are missing out on a talented player like Gill.
It’s worth noting that the Indian team has a rich history of producing talented cricketers, and the current squad is no exception. With players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul, India has a strong batting lineup that can take on any opposition. However, the exclusion of Gill has raised questions about the team’s depth and whether they have enough firepower to go all the way in the tournament.
As the T20 World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on the Indian team and how they perform without Gill in the squad. While Ponting’s comments may have sparked a debate, they also highlight the challenges of selecting a team in a country with a vast pool of talented players. As Ponting said, “it just shows the depth of Indian cricket,” and the fact that someone as good as Gill doesn’t get picked is a testament to the competition for spots in the team.
In conclusion, Ricky Ponting’s comments on Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the Indian T20 World Cup squad have sparked a debate about the team’s selection policies and whether they are missing out on a talented player. While the reasons behind Gill’s omission may be complex, Ponting’s surprise and admiration for the young batsman are a testament to Gill’s potential and the challenges of selecting a team in a country with a rich cricketing talent.
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