"Couldn't believe that..."- IPL coach reacts to Shubman Gill's snub from T20 World Cup 2026 squad

The current coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ricky Ponting, has been shocked at the omission of Shubman Gill from India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Ahead of the event, during the Asia Cup 2025, Gill was the vice-captain of the blue brigade.

Since returning to the format, Shubman Gill couldn’t manage a single half-century in the format and was axed from the T20 World Cup side as a result. Ponting noted that he was surprised at the BCCI’s decision to drop the Punjab batter from their world event squad.

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“I couldn’t believe that. I mean, I know his recent form hasn’t been great in white-ball cricket. 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. I think, one, I’m surprised, but two, it just shows the depth of Indian cricket.” Ponting expressed in the ICC review.

Ricky Ponting shocked at Shubman Gill’s T20 World Cup 2026 omission

Gill’s average has dropped terribly in the shortest format during the home T20I series against South Africa, as he also struggled at the opening position with Abhishek Sharma, who always comes under pressure inside the powerplay. BCCI’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, addressed the lack of runs for the right-handed batter.

“We know what a quality player he is, but perhaps short of a little bit of runs at the moment. It’s unfortunate to have missed out on the last World Cup as well, because we went with different combinations. But it’s the combinations more than anything else. Someone has to miss out when you pick 15, and unfortunately, it’s Gill at this point.” Agarkar added.

“We are looking at the combination. If the keeper is going to bat at the top, at the moment Jitesh is there, and he has not done too much wrong. But we need to look at the combination and a keeper at the top.” The former Indian pacer reflected during the press conference.