India vs West Indies: Four Notable Instances of India Enforcing Follow-On Against West Indies
India displayed dominant cricketing prowess during the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. By the end of Day 3, they declared at 518 for 5 and bowled out the West Indies for 248. This performance put India on track to enforce the follow-on.
India vs. West Indies: Follow-On Enforced
On Day 3, India’s bowlers performed exceptionally well, with Kuldeep Yadav leading the attack, taking five wickets for 82 runs. Ravindra Jadeja supported him with three wickets, as the West Indies struggled to build partnerships. Their highest contributions came from tailenders Khary Pierre and Anderson Phillip, who put on a 46-run stand for the ninth wicket.
Ultimately, the West Indies were unable to reach the follow-on target of 319 runs, leaving them trailing by 270 runs. This marked the fifth instance of India enforcing the follow-on against the West Indies, and historically, India has won all previous four instances where this decision was made.
Historical Matches: India’s Follow-On Record Against West Indies
| Date | Location | India’s Innings | West Indies’ Innings | Deficit | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09/10/2002 | Wankhede Stadium | 457 | 157 & 188 | 300 | Win by an innings and 112 runs |
| 14/11/2011 | Eden Gardens | 631 (dec) | 153 & 463 | 478 | Win by an innings and 15 runs |
| 21/07/2016 | Sir Vivian Richards Stadium | 566 (dec) | 243 & 231 | 323 | Win by an innings and 92 runs |
| 04/10/2018 | Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium | 649 (dec) | 181 & 196 | 468 | Win by an innings and 272 runs |
| 10/10/2025 | Arun Jaitley Stadium | 518 (dec) | 248 | 270 | TBD |
Understanding the Follow-On in Cricket
The follow-on is a tactical option in Test cricket where a team can force their opponent to bat again immediately. This decision is typically made when the team that batted first has a significant lead. According to the Laws of Cricket, a captain can enforce the follow-on if the lead exceeds 200 runs in a five-day match.
Reasons to Enforce the Follow-On
- To secure a quick victory against a weaker batting lineup.
- To maintain momentum after a strong performance.
- To exploit favorable bowling conditions and wear down the opposition.
While enforcing a follow-on can boost morale, it also poses risks regarding player stamina and concentration. Captains carefully weigh these factors before making such a decision.
