Former Australia Captain Ricky Ponting expressed his surprise over Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, stating he “couldn’t believe” the decision. The 26-year-old opener, who was appointed Vice-captain in the T20I format in September 2025 ahead of the Asia Cup, struggled to find form in the shortest format. In 15 T20I matches played in 2025, Gill managed only 291 runs with no half-centuries and a highest score of 47. His underwhelming strike rate and poor recent performances in white-ball cricket forced the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee to drop him. The decision came as a shock to many, given Gill’s reputation as a prolific run-scorer across formats.

Gill’s struggles in T20Is were particularly evident in the recent series against South Africa, where he scored 4, 0, and 28 before missing the final two matches. One game was abandoned due to fog, while the other saw him sidelined with a toe injury from a net session. Sanju Samson replaced him in the fifth match and scored an impressive 37 off 22 balls, helping settle the team management’s preference. Despite his strong Test form, including 754 runs in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, the selectors chose to prioritize current T20 form and team balance. The move sparked widespread debate, with social media criticism mounting against Gill’s captaincy and batting.

Ponting, speaking on the ICC Review, highlighted Gill’s exceptional Test performances in England as a contrast to his white-ball struggles. He admitted being surprised by the omission, noting that Gill’s exclusion reflects the extraordinary depth of Indian cricket talent. Ponting praised India’s ability to leave out a player of Gill’s caliber, saying it demonstrates the sheer number of quality options available. He added that India’s outstanding depth makes them perennial favorites in every ICC event. The former Australian captain’s comments underscore how competitive India’s selection process has become.

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The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, will test the chosen squad’s mettle in high-pressure conditions. Gill’s absence opens the door for other young talents to stake their claim in the middle order and top order. Sanju Samson’s recent performances have strengthened his case as a reliable finisher and wicketkeeper-batter. While the decision is tough on Gill, it aligns with the selectors’ focus on current form and team combination. India’s vast talent pool continues to impress the global cricket community.

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