India, after posting 325 in the first innings, bundled out New Zealand for a paltry 62 in response in the second Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sitting on a 263-run lead, Virat Kohli had an option of enforcing the follow-on on Day 2 as the hosts were more than 200 runs ahead. However, he decided against it and sparked a raging debate on social media and in the cricketing fraternity.
Daniel Vettori, former NZ spinner, too jumped on the bandwagon, defending Virat Kohli’s decision to bat again. India only took 28.1 overs to bundle out the Black Caps out in Mumbai. And keeping that aspect in mind, Daniel Vettori said that Virat Kohli must have done it to manage his bowlers’ workload.
Daniel Vettori: India Bowled Only 28-29 Overs And Virat Kohli Could Have Enforced Follow On But He Didn’t But There’d Nothing Wrong With The Decision
In the 1st innings, New Zealand was bundled for a mere 62 as India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin scalped four wickets for eight runs while young right-arm pacer Mohammed Siraj registered the figures of 3 for 19. Ravichandran Ashwin picked 3/27 in the 2nd innings as well.
“Most captains around the world sort of tend to urge towards not enforcing the follow-on. Mainly to rest bowlers because of managing their workload. However, India bowled only 28-29 overs and yes Kohli could’ve chosen to opt for follow-on and make huge inroads into New Zealand. But he didn’t. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. It’ll make it incredibly difficult for New Zealand to make a comeback. It’s almost impossible.”
He added: “So therefore whatever move India made they were still on top. It’s just that people in the background love to see a follow-on enforced to see the side attack.”
India managed 276/7 in their 2nd innings before declaring on the 3rd day giving New Zealand an uphill task to chase 540 runs. Mayank Agarwal (62), Cheteshwar Pujara(47), Shubman Gill (47), Virat Kohli (36), and Axar Patel (41*) were the chief contributors with the willow.
Indian Skipper Virat Kohli Probably Wanted Out Of Form Batsmen To Get Runs So Decided Not To Enforce Follow On: Wasim Jaffer
Meanwhile, former India opener Wasim Jaffer was also in support of Virat Kohli’s decision, opining that some of the out-of-touch batters can use this time to get some runs.
“There’s so much time left in the match, there’s nothing wrong with batting again. India have a very big tour of South Africa coming up, so the out-of-form batters can get some time in the middle. It’s better than having any nets. So if Pujara gets runs, Kohli gets runs, it’ll be great. There are still 3 days left in the game. If the batters gain a bit of confidence, there’s nothing wrong with that,” Jaffer said.
At Stump’s on the 2nd day, India reached 69/0, extending their lead by 332 runs. Cheteshwar Pujara, who opened in place of Shubman Gill. remained unbeaten on 29, while Mayank Agarwal got to 38. On the 3rd day, New Zealand was placed at 140 for 5 at stumps on day three, chasing a mammoth 540 after Ajaz Patel’s 14 wicket-haul.