Ricky Ponting stunned by Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup snub: "I couldn't believe"
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his surprise at Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, admitting he “couldn’t believe” the talented batter failed to make the cut. Gill, who serves as India’s ODI and Test captain, has been struggling to find a place in the nation’s T20 team, with the selectors preferring format specialists like Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan, who made a return to the national setup.
Ponting: “I couldn’t believe that”
Speaking on ICC Review, Ponting admitted he was left scratching his head upon seeing Gill omitted from the 15-member squad for the marquee event, which begins on February 7.
“I couldn’t believe that. I mean, I know his recent form hasn’t been great in white-ball cricket. The last time that I really saw much of him play was the Test series against England in the UK, where he batted as well as I’ve ever seen anybody bat. I think, one, I’m surprised, but two, it just shows the depth of Indian cricket,” Ponting said.
“If you can think that someone as good as Shubman Gill doesn’t get picked in a World Cup squad, then it goes to show how many good players they do have,” he added.
Gill’s T20 struggles despite leadership role
Gill was named India’s vice-captain in the shortest format earlier in 2025, but a string of poor performances saw his complete elimination from the squad. The BCCI selectors appear to prefer format specialists like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Ishan Kishan, and others who are better suited to the demands of T20 cricket.
Despite the extravagant talent that Gill possesses, he has been usurped in the selection race by players who have demonstrated more consistency and firepower in the shortest format. His struggles in white-ball cricket—particularly in T20Is—have raised questions about whether he can adapt his technically sound game to the aggressive, high-risk style required in the format.
India’s incredible depth on display
Ponting also highlighted the incredible depth of talent available to India, which makes it difficult for even established players like Gill to guarantee their spots.
“India’s depth around the country, as we know, is outstanding, and every ICC event that comes up, you’ve got to put them right up near the top just because there are so many good players to choose from,” Ponting said.
Gill’s exclusion underscores the fierce competition for places in India’s T20 squad, with younger, more explosive players consistently pushing for selection. While Gill remains a key figure in India’s Test and ODI setups, his T20 future appears uncertain unless he can rediscover his white-ball form.