India’s decision to enforce the follow-on against the West Indies in the ongoing Test match has sparked intense debate, and now, assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate has pulled back the curtain on a surprising internal debate that almost changed the course of the game.
Inside the War Room: ‘There Was a Discussion to Bat’
In a candid revelation, Ten Doeschate confirmed that the Indian team management seriously considered the option of batting again instead of asking the West Indies to follow on. “There was a discussion to bat,” he admitted, highlighting the complex strategic calculus that goes into such a high-stakes decision .
The move to enforce the follow-on came after India bowled out the West Indies for 248 in their first innings, securing a commanding lead. However, the pitch in Delhi has shown signs of slowing down, a factor that clearly weighed on the team’s minds. The coach explained that the primary rationale for the follow-on was the expectation that the wicket would deteriorate significantly over the final two days, making a fourth-innings chase a nightmare for the visitors .
Leadership and Spin: The Pillars of India’s Plan
Ten Doeschate was full of praise for young captain Shubman Gill, commending his leadership in making a tough call under pressure. He also lauded the performance of Kuldeep Yadav, describing the left-arm wrist-spinner’s “mystery element” as a key weapon that makes him a dangerous proposition on any surface .
Despite the initial success of the decision, the West Indies mounted a strong fightback on Day 3, with openers Keacy Carty and Mikyle Louis laying a solid foundation before Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze steadied the ship. By stumps, the visitors were a confident 173/2 in their second innings, turning the match into a genuine contest.
Was the Gamble Worth It?
The assistant coach acknowledged the challenge his bowlers now face after being on the field for over 130 overs. “Sometimes we expect too much,” he conceded, showing a pragmatic understanding of the physical and mental toll on his players . He also noted that the pitch has become slower than anticipated, which could make the spinners’ job tougher on the crucial fourth day .
From the West Indies camp, all-rounder Khary Pierre expressed surprise at the follow-on call but remained optimistic about his team’s chances of pulling off a historic win.
Match Situation at a Glance
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings (at Stumps, Day 3) |
|---|---|---|
| India | 438 | – |
| West Indies | 248 | 173/2 |
The table above shows the current state of play. India’s lead has been whittled down to just 19 runs, setting the stage for a thrilling final two days.
What’s Next for Team India?
The Indian team now faces a stiff challenge: to find a way to break the resilient West Indies middle order and secure a series-clinching victory. The decision to enforce the follow-on, once seen as a masterstroke, is now a high-wire act that will define the match’s outcome. All eyes will be on Gill’s captaincy and the ability of his bowlers, especially Kuldeep Yadav, to deliver under immense pressure.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘There was a discussion to bat’: India coach on follow-on decision
- Ryan ten Doeschate quotes from web search results