Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has voiced his surprise over the omission of Shubman Gill from India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, calling the decision hard to comprehend.
Speaking about the selection, Ponting admitted he was stunned when he learned that Gill did not feature in the final 15. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw that Shubman Gill wasn’t picked,” Ponting said, underlining how highly he rates the Indian batter despite his recent struggles in the T20 format.
Ponting pointed out that Gill has been entrusted with leadership responsibilities in other formats and is widely regarded as one of India’s most complete batters. While acknowledging that T20 cricket demands explosiveness and role clarity, he felt Gill’s overall class made his absence a major talking point ahead of the global tournament.
Ponting Recalls Gill’s “Best Batting” in England
Reflecting on Gill’s recent performances, Ponting referenced India’s Test tour of England, where the young batter impressed him immensely. “The last time I saw him bat in England, it was some of the best batting I’ve seen for a long time,” Ponting remarked. He praised Gill’s technique, balance, and temperament, suggesting those traits are rare and valuable across formats.
Ponting also cautioned against making selection decisions based solely on short-term form, particularly in T20 cricket, where opportunities can be limited. “Sometimes you judge players too quickly in this format,” he implied, stressing that quality players often deserve longer backing. According to him, Gill’s struggles in white-ball cricket should not overshadow his proven ability to perform at the highest level.
Squad Depth Forces Tough Calls for Selectors
Ponting went on to explain that Gill’s exclusion is also a reflection of India’s extraordinary depth in talent. “It just shows you how much depth Indian cricket has at the moment,” he said, highlighting how selectors are spoiled for choice, especially in the batting department. The presence of specialist T20 players and finishers has made selection calls increasingly difficult.
He added that players like Rinku Singh, who offer power-hitting and role-specific value, fit the team’s tactical needs in the shortest format. Ponting concluded by stating that while Gill’s omission is surprising, it underlines India’s strength rather than weakness. “When players of that quality miss out, it’s a good problem to have,” he said, summing up India’s enviable position heading into the T20 World Cup.
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