Dubai, Mar 04 (ANI): India's Shubman Gill in action during the 1st Semi-Final (A1 v B2) against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)
New Delhi [India], January 5 (ANI): Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting expressed surprise over Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad, describing it as a reflection of the team’s remarkable depth. Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain, was left out following a modest run in the shortest format since his return in September, scoring 291 runs in 15 innings, with a top score of 47.
Ponting, speaking on The ICC Review, said, “Yeah, I couldn’t believe that. I know his recent form hasn’t been great in white-ball cricket. The last time I really saw him play was in the Test series against England in the UK, where he batted as well as I’ve ever seen anybody bat.”
He added, “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.”
Following Gill’s omission, India named Axar Patel as the new vice-captain, replacing Gill, who previously served as deputy to Suryakumar Yadav. Ponting praised Patel’s consistent all-round contributions, noting his effectiveness as both a left-handed batsman and a left-arm orthodox spinner. “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 step up,” Ponting said.
India will now aim for a rare feat of consecutive T20 World Cup victories, relying on the balance provided by players like Patel, even as Gill misses out on the marquee tournament.
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