'Absolute joke': Shubman Gill, Team India slammed after follow-on decision against West Indies backfires

India’s decision to enforce the follow-on against West Indies in the second Test in New Delhi has sparked a wave of criticism from fans. Despite taking a 270-run first-innings lead, India found themselves under pressure as the visitors put on a spirited fightback on Day 4, led by centuries from John Campbell and Shai Hope.

After bowling out West Indies for 248 in the first innings, Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir decided to send them back in. The move, which was expected to wrap up the game quickly, backfired as West Indies posted a strong 390 in their second innings. By the end of Day 4, they had taken a 120-run lead.

John Campbell struck a gritty 115 while Shai Hope anchored the innings with a patient 103. Their resistance frustrated the Indian bowlers, who looked flat and inconsistent. Kuldeep Yadav picked up three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah also claimed three late on, but the damage had already been done.

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Fans slam Gill’s tactics

The decision to enforce the follow-on and the way India approached the innings drew heavy backlash online. Many questioned Gill’s captaincy and the team’s lack of intensity. Others were baffled by Gill’s field placements during the last-wicket stand.

Been watching on mute, would be interested to hear what the commentator's views are on India's approach? Bit confused by Shubman Gill's tactics. Lots of open spaces even to the no. 11 (as good as Seales is).

Surely you back your class bowlers and encourage WI to take a risk.

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) October 13, 2025

I can't believe my eyes, Shubman Gill has spread the field & letting this last wicket partnership to develop without even challenging them while our team is going through the motions. https://t.co/O7jCqqfY3V

— Vipul 🇮🇳 (@Vipul_Espeaks) October 13, 2025

The moment a fast bowler came to bowl, West Indies lost the final wicket as all the other people watching already knew but Super Captain Shubman Gill thought that it was right to keep giving overs to spin bowlers from both ends. Conceded atleast 50-60 more runs. Absolute joke.

— Akshat_Lfc18 (@liverpool1_love) October 13, 2025

For the first time in history, India are chasing a total of over 100 in the fourth innings after enforcing the follow-on

Only the fourth time in 42 instances of India having to bat again after giving the other team a follow-on#INDVSWI https://t.co/h8xRUtgxSa

— AayushKataria (@aayush11kataria) October 13, 2025

What a disastrous call by Gautam Gambhir, Enforcing the follow-on on West Indies was supposed to bury them, but look at this mess.

Pathetic bowling from our side, no fire, no plan, just leaking runs everywhere. And Shubman Gill's captaincy?

Absolute joke. field placements all… pic.twitter.com/rO2D0GLbcx

— Ankur Kashyap (@ankurs000) October 13, 2025

India’s early dominance fades away

Earlier in the match, India dominated with the bat, declaring their first innings at 518/5. Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with 175, while captain Gill made an unbeaten 129. Sai Sudharsan (87) and Dhruv Jurel (44) also contributed well.

Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul and Ravindra Jadeja’s three-for helped India bowl out West Indies cheaply in the first innings. But the decision to enforce the follow-on has now backfired.