Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting admitted that he was surprised by Shubman Gill’s snub from India’s T20 World Cup squad. Gill has been excluded from the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand and the 2026 T20 World Cup squad.
Since his comeback into the shortest format of the game for India, despite being named the vice-captain, he failed to perform with the bat. Hence, India ‘s current Test and ODI skipper failed to get a place in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad.
Reacting to the decision, Ponting said he was taken aback by Gill’s exclusion.
“I couldn’t believe that. I mean, I know his recent form hasn’tbeen 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 on ICC Review.
Gill played 15 T20Is in 2025 and scored 291 runs. In his last series against South Africa, his performances were disappointing as he scored 4, 0 and 28. He also missed the final two matches due to injury and other reasons.
He further added, “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.”
Ponting believes that the decision highlights India’s depth, which strengthens their squad and makes them serious contenders in every ICC event.
“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,” he said.
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