Why was Shubman Gill left out of India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad?

Selectors prioritized team balance and combination over Shubman Gill's individual performance and recent T20 statistics.

What did Ricky Ponting say about Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup omission?

Ricky Ponting expressed surprise and shock, stating that Gill's talent is unquestionable despite recent form.

Did Shubman Gill perform poorly in recent T20 matches for India?

Shubman Gill scored 291 runs in 15 innings without a fifty or hundred in his recent T20I appearances.

Home / Sports / Gill's World Cup Snub: Ponting Stunned

Gill's World Cup Snub: Ponting Stunned

4 Jan

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Summary

Ricky Ponting expressed shock at Shubman Gill's World Cup omission.
Selectors prioritized team balance over Gill's individual form.
Gill's recent T20 stats lacked significant fifties or centuries.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting voiced his astonishment at Shubman Gill's absence from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Ponting admitted the decision was initially hard to comprehend, citing Gill's exceptional batting talent, despite a recent dip in white-ball form. He noted that such omissions underscore the immense depth within the Indian cricket team.

Gill's return to the T20I side saw him play 15 innings, scoring 291 runs at an average of 24.25, without any fifty or hundred. His highest score was 47 against Pakistan. These numbers seemingly did not align with selection expectations for a global tournament.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that while Gill is highly rated, the selection was driven by the need for team balance, including having two wicketkeepers at the top. This strategic choice by the selectors highlights the competitive landscape for places in the Indian squad.