Shubman Gill explains reason behind follow-on decision in Delhi Test amid criticism

Shubman Gill explains reason behind follow-on call in Delhi Test. (BCCI Photo)

The decision to enforce a follow-on during the second Test match against the West Indies at the national capital's Arun Jaitley Stadium, which sparked intense criticism from supporters, was justified by India Test captain Shubman Gill.

On Tuesday, India defeated the Caribbean team by seven wickets, sweeping the series 2-0. The decision to inflict a follow-on, which has become uncommon in contemporary cricket, raised concerns despite the victory.

After winning the toss, India made full use of the benign Delhi surface as Yashasvi Jaiswal (175), Sai Sudharsan (87) and Shubman Gill (129*) produced sparkling knocks. The hosts stormed to 518/5 before deciding that the total was sufficient to declare the innings.

The West Indies responded with a 248-run total, stuttering often. India could have batted again, but they chose to use the follow-on option because they had a commanding 273-run lead. Considering that the Indian bowlers had bowled 81.5 overs in total, the decision did not sit well with the fans.

"We were around 300 runs ahead. We thought even if we scored like 500 runs and we have to get 6 or 7 wickets on day 5, it could be a tough day for us. So, that was the thought process," Gill said in the post-match presentation while talking about the decision to enforce a follow-on.

As the Indian Test captain, Gill celebrated his first series victory with a whitewash of the Caribbean team. The 26-year-old acknowledged that he is still getting used to wearing the skipper hat while explaining the difficulty of rotating the players.

"It's a big honour (to lead India). It's a really big honour, I'm kind of getting used to it. Managing all the players, leading this team, is a great honour. It's about taking the right options in the given situation. I try to make the most probable decision in the given situation that we are in that game. And sometimes you have to take a bold decision, depending on which player can get you certain runs or can get you those wickets," he added.

Following the achievement of yet another milestone, Gill will captain India in the three-match ODI series in Australia before hosting the World Test Championship champions, South Africa, for two Test matches in November.