Ex-Pakistan coach weighs in on India’s middle-order shuffle; calls India's T20 World Cup-winning all-rounder a 'subcontinent' bully

Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie has lauded Washington Sundar's unbeaten 49, suggesting he should bat higher than Axar Patel. Gillespie, impressed by Sundar's fearless approach against Australian pacers, highlighted the all-rounder's great attitude and confidence. Sundar's knock was crucial in India's five-wicket win, tying the series 1-1.

India's Axar Patel fall to the ground after he is run out by Australia during their T20 cricket match in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (James Ross/AAP Image via AP)

Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie has questioned India’s batting order after Washington Sundar’s impressive unbeaten 49 against Australia, saying the all-rounder deserved to bat higher than Axar Patel. “I don’t know why he is batting below Axar Patel," Gillespie said on the Fast Bowling Cartel YouTube channel.

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"That 49* was absolutely superb. He wasn’t intimidated by the Australian seamers and just looked to take it on. They’ve got a nice batting lineup. I just felt Axar Patel is one or two spots too high in that order. He’s a good player, no doubt, but he is probably more suited to subcontinent conditions,” The former Pakistan coach, who has seen Sundar closely during his coaching stints in Chennai, praised the young all-rounder’s temperament and confidence. “I’ve spent a little bit of time with Washington Sundar in Chennai when I’ve been coaching. He has just got a great attitude. He just goes and backs himself when he gets the opportunity,” Gillespie added. The five-match series in Australia is tied 1-1 after India's five-wicket win over the home team on Sunday, the victory coming on the back of all-rounder Washington Sundar's explosive knock after left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh's early bursts with the ball.

Poll

Should Washington Sundar bat higher up the order for India?

Yes, he deserves a higher spot No, Axar Patel should remain above him Maybe, depends on the match situation

"If I keep thinking about I should definitely perform with the bat because if not I haven't gotten much with the ball or vice versa, I think that puts a lot of pressure on me and it means you are not really enjoying the game," Washington said at the post-match press conference after India successfully chased a target of 187 in the third T20I. For Washington, representing India across formats and being able to fulfil the requirements of each version does give satisfaction. "I mean the challenges are definitely exciting because there are different questions thrown at you and you just got to find your answers and that's the beauty of playing at the highest level," he said.

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