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 batsman Shubman Gill. The 27-year-old has been in phenomenal form in recent times, scoring runs consistently across formats and establishing himself as one of the most promising players in Indian cricket. However, despite his impressive performances, Gill was overlooked by the selectors, and the decision has sparked a heated debate among fans and experts alike.
One person who was particularly surprised by Gill’s exclusion was former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, expressed his shock and disappointment at the decision, saying that he couldn’t believe India didn’t pick Gill in the T20 World Cup 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 are a testament to Gill’s exceptional talent and the high standards he has set for himself. The young batsman has been making waves in international cricket with his impressive technique, aggressive strokeplay, and ability to score big runs. His omission from the T20 World Cup squad has raised questions about the selection process and the criteria used by the selectors to pick the team.
Gill’s exclusion is even more surprising given his recent form in T20 cricket. He has been one of the most consistent performers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has also done well in international T20 matches. His ability to score quickly and take the game away from the opposition has made him a valuable asset to any team, and his absence from the T20 World Cup squad is likely to be felt by the Indian team.
Ponting’s comments also highlight the depth of Indian cricket, which is undoubtedly one of the strongest teams in the world. The fact that a player of Gill’s caliber can be left out of the squad is a testament to the wealth of talent available to the Indian selectors. However, it also raises questions about the selection process and whether the right players are being picked for the right format.
The T20 World Cup is a high-pressure tournament that requires teams to have a strong balance of experience and youth. While India has a good mix of both, the omission of Gill has raised concerns about the team’s batting depth. Gill’s ability to score big runs and take the game away from the opposition would have been a valuable asset to the team, and his absence may be felt in pressure situations.
The debate surrounding Gill’s exclusion is likely to continue in the coming days, with fans and experts weighing in on the decision. While Ponting’s comments have added fuel to the fire, they also highlight the exceptional talent that Gill possesses. The young batsman has a long career ahead of him, and it’s likely that he will bounce back from this setback and continue to make a significant contribution to Indian cricket.
In conclusion, Ricky Ponting’s comments on Shubman Gill’s omission from the T20 World Cup squad have sparked a heated debate about the selection process and the criteria used by the selectors. While the decision has raised questions about the team’s batting depth, it also highlights the depth of Indian cricket and the wealth of talent available to the selectors. As the T20 World Cup approaches, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Indian team performs, and whether the selectors’ decision to omit Gill will prove to be a masterstroke or a mistake.
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