Shubman Gill’s Exclusion from T20 World Cup Squad Surprises Former Australia Captain Ricky Ponting

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting expressed surprise at the news of Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad. The 26-year-old, who was appointed as vice-captain in September 2025 for the T20I series, struggled to make an impact, failing to score a single fifty in the 15 matches he played. His highest score was 47, and his underwhelming strike rate ultimately led to his removal from the team by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.

Since Gill returned to the playing XI as vice-captain, there was significant social media backlash against him, with public opinion turning sharply against the Punjab-based batter. This situation was further complicated by the fact that Sanju Samson had to sit on the bench despite scoring three T20I centuries in 2024.

Gill was expected to dominate in the T20 format, especially after scoring 754 runs in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. However, the selectors once again faced criticism for mixing formats. No one anticipated that Gill would not be selected for the T20 World Cup, but the shock announcement by Agarkar and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia left even Ponting surprised.

“I couldn’t believe it. I know his recent form hasn’t been great in white-ball cricket. The last time 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’m surprised, but it shows the depth of Indian cricket,” Ponting said during an ICC Review segment.

Depth of Indian Cricket Highlighted

Gill’s performance in 2025 was lackluster, with only 291 runs scored across 15 T20Is. In the most recent series against South Africa, he managed scores of 4, 0, and 28, and then missed the final two matches. The fourth game was abandoned due to heavy fog, while the fifth match saw Gill sidelined after injuring his toe during a net session.

Sanju Samson replaced Gill in the fifth T20I and delivered a crucial 37 runs off 22 balls, which convinced the team management to go with him instead. This decision highlighted the competition within the Indian squad, as multiple talented players vie for spots in the national team.

Ponting believes that Gill’s exclusion is a testament to the strength of Indian cricket. He emphasized that the country’s talent pool is so deep that even a player of Gill’s caliber can be left out for the World Cup.

“India’s depth around the country is outstanding, and every ICC event you have to put them right up near the top because there are so many good players to choose from,” Ponting noted.

Challenges Faced by Shubman Gill

Gill’s struggles in the T20 format have raised questions about his adaptability to the shortest form of the game. Despite his success in Tests and ODIs, his performance in T20Is has been inconsistent, leading to the difficult decision by the selectors. This highlights the challenges that even top-tier players face when transitioning between different formats of the game.

The pressure to perform in T20s is immense, given the fast-paced nature of the format and the high expectations from fans and media alike. For Gill, this has meant dealing with both on-field challenges and off-field scrutiny, making his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad a particularly tough blow.

Looking Ahead

With the T20 World Cup approaching, the focus will now shift to the players who have made the cut. The inclusion of Sanju Samson and others indicates that the Indian team is confident in its ability to compete at the highest level. However, the absence of Gill also raises questions about how the team will manage its batting order and maintain consistency in the T20 format.

As the tournament draws closer, all eyes will be on India’s preparations and how they handle the pressure of being one of the favorites. With a strong squad and a wealth of talent, the team is well-positioned to make a strong showing, but the challenge remains in finding the right balance between experience and emerging talent.