Shubman Gill explains bold follow-on call as India crush West Indies in second Test
Shubman Gill reveals why India enforced the follow-on in the 2nd Test against West Indies, highlighting tactical clarity, team momentum, and smart captaincy.
Shubman Gill (Image Source: BCCI)
Last Updated: 01.33 PM, Oct 14, 2025
India’s emphatic victory over West Indies in the second Test wasn’t just about dominance with bat and ball, it was also about sharp decision-making from new captain Shubman Gill. After taking a massive first-innings lead, Gill made the daring call to enforce the follow-on, a move that caught many by surprise but ultimately sealed India’s win in style. Speaking after the match, the young skipper shed light on the logic behind the decision, explaining that it was guided by tactical awareness rather than aggression.
Shubman Gill reveals follow-on was a calculated move
Gill explained that enforcing the follow-on was a decision rooted in context, not impulse. India’s bowlers were in rhythm after dismissing the West Indies cheaply, and Gill felt it was the ideal moment to sustain pressure. “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,” he said, hinting that allowing the opponents rest or a fresh start could have shifted the game’s energy.
The call also reflected awareness of match conditions. With weather uncertainty and the pitch beginning to wear, Gill didn’t want India batting last on a tricky surface. By sending West Indies in again, India could push for victory without worrying about time running out or the surface deteriorating further.
Critics initially questioned the move after a brief West Indies fightback, but Gill’s plan paid off. India wrapped up the game with a dominant bowling display, showing that calculated risk-taking remains a hallmark of modern Test captaincy.
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