India’s decision to enforce the follow-on despite a 270-run lead drew attention on day three of the second and final Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, as the visitors staged a spirited fightback to end the day at 173 for 2.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that there was internal discussion about batting again, given the sluggish pitch and the need to rest the bowlers. However, India opted to push for an innings victory — a move that backfired temporarily as John Campbell (87)* and Shai Hope (66)* shared an unbroken 138-run stand to frustrate the hosts.
There was a discussion to bat again. Those last two wickets took longer than we’d hoped for. It was heading towards the stage where we did consider batting again, but we felt 275 was a good lead. We thought the wicket would deteriorate — instead, it seems to have slowed down even more.
India Struggle For Breakthroughs After Enforcing Follow-On
After bowling out West Indies for 248, thanks to Kuldeep Yadav’s exceptional five-wicket haul, India struck early in the second innings before running into resistance from Campbell and Hope. Ten Doeschate admitted the surface had become slower, taking sting out of India’s bowling.
It’s quite challenging to get any pace up. When you fire the ball in, it’s got less chance of spinning. Campbell batted really well. We’ll come back tomorrow, reset our plans, and look to get those last few batters out.
He emphasised the need for patience and tactical adjustments heading into day four. “You’ve got to be super patient. Sometimes the wicket is unresponsive, and batters are allowed to play well. Credit to West Indies for how they fought back today.”
“Strategy First, Development Second” – Ten Doeschate On Team Decisions
The assistant coach also addressed the decision not to hand Kuldeep Yadav the new ball after enforcing the follow-on, explaining that the team prioritised the ball’s hardness and spin potential for Ravindra Jadeja.
The thinking was around the hardness of the ball. We felt one of the finger spinners with the new ball could get a bit more bite. We sacrificed some mystery for control.
Ten Doeschate also defended India’s decision not to use Nitish Kumar Reddy’s seam bowling yet, clarifying that team strategy outweighs individual development.
We try to juggle grooming players with the aim of winning Tests. Strategy comes first. Development fits in where it can, but the focus is always on winning.
Kuldeep Spins His Way Into Record Books
Earlier in the day, Kuldeep Yadav continued his superb run, claiming 5 for 82 to bowl out West Indies for 248 — his fifth five-wicket haul in just 27 Test innings, the most by a left-arm wrist-spinner in Test history. Ten Doeschate hailed Kuldeep’s “element of danger” and the unique variation he brings to India’s spin attack.
The difference with Kuldeep is he’s a mystery spinner — not easy to pick. He brings an element of danger compared to finger spinners,” ten Doeschate said. “He’s done himself a lot of favours with this performance.
West Indies Fight Back, Pierre Surprised By India’s Decision
West Indies’ left-arm spinner Khary Pierre admitted he was “a bit surprised” by India’s decision to bowl again, saying the wicket still played well for batting.
I thought they would bat again. The wicket is still a very good one. But we took it as a challenge to bat properly and make a game of it.
He praised the discipline of Campbell and Hope and called the day’s play a breakthrough moment for the visitors. “This is the first time we’ve been able to win a session in the series. It’s all about application — once you get a start, you have to score big.”
Looking Ahead
With West Indies trailing by 97 runs, the fourth day promises an intriguing battle between India’s spinners and a confident Caribbean pair determined to extend their resistance.
