With Axar and Sundar's success in Australia, Indian spin-all-rounders finding their mojo back under coach Gambhir

In recent times, India’s T20I side has quietly begun to rediscover an old strength — the value of spin-bowling all-rounders. The ongoing white-ball tour of Australia has shown how players like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are becoming central to India’s plans, even in conditions not particularly helpful for finger spinners. Both have offered control with the ball and valuable runs down the order. Their rise comes at the right time, with the next T20 World Cup to be played in India and Sri Lanka, where spin is expected to play a major role.

Axar and Sundar’s performances key to India’s triumphs Down Under

Axar’s all-round performance in the fourth T20I in Queensland's Gold Coast summed up his growing importance in the set-up despite losing vice-captaincy to Shubman Gill. A handy unbeaten 21 off 11 balls at No 8 helped India reach a competitive total of 167 on that sluggish pitch.

With the ball, his spell of 2 for 20 broke the back of Australia’s chase in the middle-overs and earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award. Sundar, who has often been used in different roles — as we saw when he played as a finisher with the bat in Hobart — followed up with a fine three-wicket display at Gold Coast’s Carrara Stadium on Thursday night. Both have highlighted their ability to adapt to conditions, bowl in different phases of an innings, contribute with the bat and most importantly, remain flexible with their batting positions.

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This balance is something India have missed since Ravindra Jadeja announced his retirement from T20Is and Hardik Pandya struggled with a series of injuries. For years, Jadeja and Pandya provided the perfect link between bat and ball, allowing India to play an extra specialist in either department. Axar and Washington now seem ready to share that responsibility. Their success has also allowed India to use an extra fast bowler or a power-hitter depending on the conditions, making the team far more flexible than it was before.

And with the possible return of Pandya to the line-up for the World Cup, the all-round trio could well be India’s X-factor at the marquee event in February–March next year.

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Gambhir and his penchant for multi-dimensional cricketers

Meanwhile, much of this clarity can be traced back to Gautam Gambhir’s approach since taking charge as head coach. Gambhir has always valued cricketers who bring multiple skills to the table — a trait visible in the way he built balanced sides during his time in franchise cricket. He has often faced criticism for leaving out specialists such as Kuldeep Yadav in favour of more multi-dimensional options, but his faith in Axar and Washington, even when their roles were , is now beginning to pay off. The pair have responded with consistent, mature performances that underline their growing confidence.

Axar’s recall to the Test squad for the home series against South Africa is another sign of how highly he is rated across formats. Washington, too, continues to make progress — improving his batting range and adding variety to his off-spin. His spell of 10 overs on the trot for four wickets in the recent Sydney ODI was a reminder of his ability to shoulder responsibility and deliver under pressure. Together, they have given India something every successful white-ball side needs— depth, versatility and the ability to win on different kinds of pitches.

As the countdown to the 2026 T20 World Cup begins, India’s faith in these spin all-rounders looks well placed. On turning tracks in India and Sri Lanka, their presence could be the difference between being competitive and being dominant. For now, Gambhir’s vision of a multi-dimensional side is beginning to take shape — and the results are already there for everyone to see.