Ind Vs Aus 2025
IND vs AUS 2025Jason GillespieWashington Sundar

Gillespie Stunned by India’s Batting Order: ‘Don’t Know Why Sundar Is Batting Below Axar Patel’

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 3 weeks ago | Nov 06, 2025 08:51 am IST
Gillespie Stunned by India's Batting Order: 'Don't Know Why Sundar Is Batting Below Axar Patel'

India’s Batting Order vs Australia Stuns Great: “Don’t Know Why He Is Batting Below Axar Patel”

Even after a stunning victory to level the series, India’s T20I strategy is under fire from a legendary Aussie pacer. On November 2, 2025, India beat Australia by five wickets in Hobart, but it was the batting order, not the win, that got everyone talking. Specifically, Jason Gillespie couldn’t understand why Washington Sundar came in after Axar Patel.

Key Takeaways

  • Jason Gillespie questioned India’s decision to bat Axar Patel at number 5, ahead of Washington Sundar.
  • Washington Sundar scored a match-winning 49* off just 23 balls from the number 6 position.
  • Axar Patel, batting higher, managed 17 runs off 12 balls before being dismissed.
  • Gillespie believes Axar is batting “one or two spots too high” and is better suited to subcontinent conditions.
  • India’s victory in the 3rd T20I leveled the five-match series against Australia at 1-1.

What Sparked the Debate?

Look, India was chasing a hefty 187 runs at Bellerive Oval. Things could have gone wrong. Axar Patel came in at number 5, chipped in with 17 runs, and got out. Then came Washington Sundar. What did he do? He completely flipped the script. Sundar smashed an unbeaten 49 runs from just 23 balls, hitting 3 fours and 4 massive sixes. He won the game for India with nine balls to spare. A heroic innings. But that just made the questions louder.

Expert Analysis: Gillespie Calls It Out

Here’s the thing. Jason Gillespie, a former Australian fast bowler who knows these conditions, was left scratching his head. “I don’t know why he is batting below Axar Patel,” Gillespie said, talking about Sundar. He didn’t stop there. He suggested Axar was positioned “one or two spots too high” and that his style is “probably more suited to subcontinent conditions.” It’s a bold claim, especially calling a T20 World Cup winner a ‘subcontinent bully’.

But honestly, he had nothing but praise for Sundar. Gillespie lauded his “fearless approach” and “great attitude,” noting how confidently he took on the Australian seamers. The message was clear: a player with that much confidence and power should be batting higher up the order. You can’t argue with that logic, can you?

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The Bigger Picture

This isn’t the first time India’s batting order has been questioned on this tour. After the 2nd T20I, former opener Sadagoppan Ramesh also criticized the “musical chairs” approach. While that was about other players, it points to a pattern of experimentation that has experts puzzled. Winning is great, but is the team using its players correctly? That’s the real question.

With the series now tied 1-1, the pressure is on for the 4th T20I. India got the win, but Gillespie’s comments have put a massive spotlight on the team’s strategy. Will they stick with Axar at 5, or will Sundar’s explosive finish earn him a promotion? What would you do?