Shubman Gill Under Microscope as West Indies Make India Regret Enforcing Follow-On

Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, finds himself under scrutiny after India's decision to enforce the follow-on against the West Indies in the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Despite a dominant performance in the first innings, where Gill himself scored an impressive unbeaten 129, the West Indies mounted a spirited fightback in their second innings, forcing India to bat again and raising questions about the follow-on decision.

India had initially taken control of the match by posting a formidable 518/5 declared, with Yashasvi Jaiswal contributing a substantial 175 before a mix-up with Gill led to his run-out. Gill then took charge, notching up his tenth Test century and his fifth of the year. This achievement places him alongside Virat Kohli in a select group of Indian batsmen who have managed such a prolific year. His innings also solidified his position as the highest run-scorer for India in the World Test Championship.

However, after Kuldeep Yadav's five-wicket haul helped India bowl out the West Indies for 248 in their first innings, Gill chose to enforce the follow-on, a decision that has since been debated. While the West Indies lost two early wickets in their second innings, John Campbell and Shai Hope forged a 177-run partnership, carrying their team to Day 4 and putting pressure back on India.

Campbell reached his maiden Test century, and Hope scored his first Test century in eight years. Justin Greaves also contributed with an unbeaten half-century. The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 390, setting India a target of 121 runs to win.

The decision to enforce the follow-on has been met with surprise and criticism. Some questioned why India declared at 518 instead of batting longer to take West Indies out of the game. West Indies spinner Khary Pierre admitted that he was surprised by India's decision to enforce the follow-on, though he lauded his team's response. According to Pierre, the wicket was still favorable for batting.

The move ended India's 13-year streak of not being forced to bat again after enforcing the follow-on. Some experts and fans suggested India might reconsider enforcing the follow-on in future home Tests. Some have also pointed out that the Indian bowlers were made to bowl more than 90 overs in the second innings, raising concerns about their workload.

Despite the questions surrounding the follow-on, India remains in a strong position to win the Test and sweep the series 2-0. However, the West Indies' fightback has put Shubman Gill's captaincy and decision-making under the microscope, with some suggesting that a more conservative approach could have avoided the late pressure. As play moves into the final day, Gill will be looking to guide his team to victory and silence the critics.