“I couldn’t believe that” - Ricky Ponting surprised by Shubman Gill’s exclusion from ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Former Australian skipper and commentator Ricky Ponting has expressed surprise at Shubman Gill’s omission from the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, scheduled to start on Saturday, February 7, in India and Sri Lanka.

Speaking exclusively on The ICC Review, Ponting stated that while Shubman Gill’s white-ball form hasn’t been great, he went on to add that he was exceptional in the five-match Test series against England, which India drew 2-2 last year.

"Yeah, I couldn't believe that. I know his recent form hasn't been great in white-ball cricket. And 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," Ponting said on The ICC Review.

Furthermore, Ponting highlighted India's strong bench strength despite Gill’s absence from the squad, adding that the depth in Indian cricket is such that even a player of Shubman Gill's quality can miss out on a mega event.

"I mean, one, I'm surprised, but two, it just shows the depth of Indian cricket. 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," he added.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has unveiled Axar Patel as the new vice-captain after Gill’s exclusion from the squad. Speaking on the new appointment, Ponting stated that Axar’s consistent performances with both bat and ball make him a pivotal player for the Men In Blue.

"I mean actually, Patel's been their go-to man, really, hasn't he? The last few series he's been their pinch hitter at different times. They've batted him up the order at number three. When they've needed that left hand right hand combination he's been the man to go out and try and do it for them and he's obviously ever consistent with his left-arm off spin as well," he concluded.

India's squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wk).

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