Indian star Shubman Gill’s rise has been rapid, with the batter establishing himself as a central figure in India’s ODI and Test setup. However, his recent omission from India's 15-member squad for next month’s T20I World Cup has sparked a huge discussion, with Indian selectors deciding to recall Rinku Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan to solidify India's batting attack.
Kishan, notably, has been in searing form in the recent past, forcing the selectors to include him in the squad. Recently, commenting on Gill's exclusion, Australian great Ricky Ponting expressed surprise given Gill's stature and breathtaking performance in a Test series in England last year.
"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 said on ICC Review.
"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.
Gill's exclusion came following a prolonged dip in his form, which might have influenced the decision from the selectors. In the last 15 innings, Gill's highest score has been 47.
"India's depth around the country, as we know, is outstanding, and every ICC event that comes up, you've got to put them right up near the top just because there are so many good players to choose from," said Ponting.