Former Australia great stunned by Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup snub

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has admitted that he was genuinely surprised by Shubman Gill being left out of India’s plans for the T20 World Cup 2026, saying the decision reflects the extraordinary depth of talent in Indian cricket rather than just a dip in form.

Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting said Gill’s omission caught him off guard. While acknowledging that Gill has struggled for consistency in recent white-ball outings, Ponting recalled the batter’s outstanding performances during the Test series in England, describing it as some of the finest batting he had witnessed. According to Ponting, leaving out a player of Gill’s calibre underlines just how fierce competition for places has become in the Indian setup.

Gill returned to India’s T20I side during the Asia Cup and has since featured in 15 innings, managing 291 runs at an average of 24.25 with a strike rate of 137.26. However, the absence of any half-century or century during that stretch  with a top score of 47 against Pakistan in Dubai on September 21 last year, worked against him as selectors weighed their options.

The selection panel prioritised overall team composition, believing Gill’s recent T20I numbers did little to strengthen his claim. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the rationale behind the call during the squad announcement, emphasising that the decision was not a reflection of Gill’s ability.

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Agarkar reiterated that Gill remains highly regarded, but said the focus was on achieving the right balance, including the strategy of fielding two wicketkeepers at the top of the order. He made it clear that the move was tactical rather than personal, and that Gill continues to feature prominently in India’s long-term plans.

Now, Gill will turn his attention to making a strong comeback in 2026. Leading the side in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11, he will be keen to begin the year positively and reaffirm his status as one of India’s most promising batting stars.