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 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 scintillating form in recent times, impressing fans and pundits alike with his aggressive yet elegant strokeplay. However, it seems that his performances weren’t enough to convince the Indian selectors to include him in the World Cup squad. One person who was particularly surprised by this decision was former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.
In a recent interview, Ponting expressed his disbelief at Gill’s exclusion from the Indian team, stating that he “couldn’t believe” the young batsman didn’t make the cut. “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’s comments highlight the incredible talent that India has at its disposal, and the fact that a player of Gill’s caliber can be left out of the squad is a testament to the team’s strength in depth.
Gill has been one of the most consistent performers in Indian cricket over the past year, scoring heavily in both domestic and international competitions. His impressive form had led many to believe that he would be a shoo-in for the World Cup squad, but it seems that the selectors had other plans. Despite his omission, Gill remains one of the most exciting young players in the world, and his exclusion from the Indian team is likely to have raised a few eyebrows.
Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, knows a thing or two about building a strong team. During his tenure as Australian captain, he led the team to numerous victories, including two World Cup titles. His comments on Gill’s exclusion are therefore significant, and suggest that the Indian selectors may have missed a trick by leaving the young batsman out of the squad.
The Indian team’s decision to omit Gill from the World Cup squad has been the subject of much debate and discussion in the cricketing world. While some have argued that the selectors got it right, others believe that Gill’s exclusion is a mistake that could come back to haunt the team. With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, the Indian team will be looking to make a strong impression, and the absence of Gill from the squad may be felt.
Despite the surprise and disappointment that has greeted Gill’s exclusion, it’s worth noting that the Indian team is still packed with talent and experience. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul will be expected to lead the charge with the bat, while the bowling attack will be spearheaded by the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. However, the absence of Gill from the squad may be felt, particularly if the team finds itself in a situation where it needs a spark of innovation and aggression.
In conclusion, the exclusion of Shubman Gill from the Indian team’s T20 World Cup squad has come as a surprise to many, including former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. While Ponting has praised the depth of Indian cricket, he has also expressed his disappointment at Gill’s omission, stating that it’s a testament to the team’s strength in depth. As the cricketing world looks on, it will be interesting to see how the Indian team performs in the World Cup, and whether the selectors’ decision to leave Gill out of the squad will ultimately prove to be a wise one.
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