India vs Australia: Virat Kohli opts not to enforce follow-on at MCG- move that backfired or missed opportunity?

While it is easy to criticise Virat's decision after India's bad start in the second innings, there was some logic behind the choice. Probably Virat wanted to give his bowlers, who had bowled their heart out on Friday, some rest. He was also looking to put his foot on the throat of Australia by batting to a lead that was likely to put more pressure on Australia. Most likely he did not want risk the chance to bat in the fourth innings on such a track. 

(Image: Twitter)

Some experts were not happy with the call. Legendary former Australian captain Allan Border said he was "surprised" with showers forecast for Melbourne on days four and five. So did Kaif.

I understand follow-on is not in fashion but if there was one opportunity to impose, it was today. A 292 run lead, forecast of rain, a not confident Australian batting line up and the bowlers had bowled only 66 overs.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 28, 2018

And some film stars too

Was hoping we would see them follow on! Could have kept the momentum. Beautiful bowling from #Bumrah! Hope rain stays away! #INDvsAUS

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 28, 2018

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'Mr Cricket' Michael Hussey was supportive of Kohli's call and said it made sense to force Australia to bat last on a deteriorating pitch. Harsha Bhogle also not critical of the call tweeting that rain was the "only factor in favour of a follow-on".

(Image: Reuters File)

 There is about 60% chance of rain on December 29 and 50% chance of rain on December 30. 

Well, not enforcing follow-on may be the mistake Kohli has to pay for in the next two days. The weather forecast at Melbourne says chances of rain on Sat & Sun. #AUSvIND
What do you say @BapatNikhil  pic.twitter.com/yxQOCNxmvM

— Bhaskar Ganekar (@BhaskarGanekar) December 28, 2018

(Image: AFP) 

As Kohli and Pujara got out for ducks and India were 5/44 at the end of the day- it seemed the move to not enforce follow-on backfired badly.

However, hindsight is 20/20 and Virat Kohli could not have predicted what happened in the second innings. He trusted his batsmen to do the job and it did not go according to the plan.  

Even with India 54/5, it has enough runs on the board to win the match. That said, the cons outweighed the pros for the decision. The poor Indian start in the second innings has given Australia - and Pat Cummins - some well-needed confidence. It has also dimmed the shine of any Indian that will come.

(Image: Twitter)