Shubman Gill's wisdom questioned after Windies' fightback

In the opening Test at Ahmedabad, the Caribbean side had folded for 162 and 146. In Delhi, they managed 248 in their first innings on a sluggish surface, lasting 81.5 overs but still trailing by 270.

Captain Shubman Gill had a decision to make. The West Indian batting hadn’t inspired confidence, but his bowlers had already spent nearly six hours in the field. The pitch hadn’t broken up yet, though it was expected to offer more turn for Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar later in the match. Kuldeep, in particular, was proving unreadable — his fifth five-wicket haul confirming that the visitors were still struggling against his wrist-spin. Perhaps the psychological scars of repeated collapses lingered.

In just his seventh Test as captain, Gill took the bold step and enforced the follow-on — the first time India had done so with a sub-300 lead since June 2015. That earlier instance had been largely symbolic: after declaring on 462 for six, India had to wait through long rain delays before wrapping up Bangladesh’s second innings for 256 late on the final day.

This time, the situation was very different. India had ample time left in the game; the West Indies’ first innings had ended right at the halfway mark of the Test. The home side could easily have batted through the remainder of the day to stretch the lead further and give their bowlers a well-earned rest. There were no weather concerns, no looming interruptions. A few extra hours at the crease could have set up a more comfortable finish.

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Yet Gill chose otherwise. His decision may have been partly practical — with several players, including himself, set to depart for a limited-overs series in Australia, an early finish would allow an extra night at home — but that likely wasn’t the main reason. As the West Indies mounted a spirited counterattack, forcing India’s bowlers into another long shift, Gill might have questioned his call. Still, reflection after the fact is easy; hindsight rarely wins matches.

It’s almost certain that Gill discussed the matter with his bowlers and head coach Gautam Gambhir before committing. The group would have expected more help from the pitch for the spinners on day four, but the surface didn’t behave as anticipated. Even so, despite the West Indies’ admirable resistance, India remained firmly in control. A victory — likely sealed early on Tuesday — will still bring the desired 12 World Test Championship points. Perhaps the hard grind will make those points feel even more rewarding.