‘Gambhir is as rubbish a coach as…’ - India head coach, Shubman Gill face flak for follow-on during IND vs WI 2nd Test

India captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir faced heavy criticism on social media after enforcing a follow-on against West Indies in the ongoing second Test in New Delhi. Having declared their first innings at 518/5 on Day 2, India bowled out the visitors for 248 in 81.5 overs on Day 3.

Expecting another quick collapse, the Indian team management decided to enforce the follow-on, a move that backfired when West Indies mounted a strong fightback. Openers John Campbell (115) and Shai Hope (103) scored resilient centuries on Day 4, marking the first time in the series that the visitors showed such resistance.

Kuldeep Yadav, who was the star in the first innings with a five-wicket haul, once again came to the fore with three wickets, but it was the last wicket stand of 79 runs between Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales that frustrated the Indians. India were set a target of 121 runs to win the game.

While some fans criticised the decision to enforce the follow-on, others targeted Gambhir directly, calling the head coach “stupid” and “rubbish.” “If a team enforces the follow-on thinking they can wrap up the innings quickly, but the opposition fights back and takes a lead, it’s a moral defeat,” one fan wrote.

“This is deserved for that stupid declaration and then the follow-on. Good of WI batters to finally show up,” another comment read.

India 58 runs away from series whitewash

Meanwhile, India are just 58 runs away from a 2-0 series whitewash, ending Day 4 at 63/1. Chasing 121, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early for 8, but KL Rahul (25*) and Sai Sudharsan (30*) steadied the innings to keep India on track for victory. The team had taken a 1-0 series lead after winning the first Test in Ahmedabad by an innings and 140 runs.