Virat Kohli never demanded best of three WTC final, only opined on its merits: Ravichandran Ashwin
Premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said India captain Virat Kohli never demanded the World Test Championship (WTC) final to be a three-match affair but only recognised and expressed his opinion on its merits.
With many misconstruing Kohli’s statement and accusing him of feeling sour after the disappointing loss to New Zealand in Southampton, Ashwin came out in strong defence of his captain and tried to clarify what he exactly meant.
“I happened to hear people saying that Virat Kohli asked for three Tests to be played for the WTC final but it is ridiculous. After the match got over, (former England player and renowned cricket writer) Michael Atherton had asked what he could have done differently in the WTC,” Ravichandran Ashwin was quoted as saying by PTI from a video posted over his YouTube channel.
“Virat replied in a particular context that if three matches are played, then adaptability and comeback for a team are possible. But he never demanded something,” he added.
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Kohli’s views on the best of three final series were echoed by India head coach Ravi Shastri as well ahead of the clash at Rose Bowl. Even ICC’s acting chairman Greg Barclay had said it would be ideal to decide each two-year running WTC cycle with a three-match series, although he had also mentioned it would unrealistic given cricket’s excessively busy calendar.
Ravichandran Ashwin came out in strong defence of India captain Virat Kohli
It was difficult to watch New Zealand celebrate with the WTC trophy, admits Ravichandran Ashwin
Having finished the inaugural cycle of the WTC as its top wicket-taker, Ravichandran Ashwin also said it was quite difficult to watch New Zealand celebrate with the coveted trophy despite India ending the tournament’s league stage at the numero uno spot.
Kane Williamson and company chose to celebrate the historic moment up until midnight in Southampton, with this being their country’s maiden world title across formats. But it was a bitter pill swallow for the Indians, who faltered at the last hurdle after playing some really good cricket through their campaign.
“After the match, New Zealand have this custom of celebrating with the trophy and a few drinks in the dressing room. It was tough to see it,” Ashwin said.
“I think it is the flip side of having a room above the ground. They celebrated until 12. They even arrived at the pitch, and it sounded like a war cry to express their happiness. It was quite upsetting to see as we couldn’t make it.”
The touring Indian contingent is currently on a break since the WTC final to recharge their batteries before getting on with preparations for their five-Test series versus England, starting August 4. Ravichandran Ashwin said this is a much-needed break for him and others as they’ve endured an extended period amid bio-bubble restrictions.
“We were in the bubble throughout. So, after a long time, we are able to get some fresh air and step out. I have rented a car, and I am just driving around the country. First, we visited Devon. It was a beautiful and picturesque place. We went at an altitude that connected the ocean and the hill,” the Indian stalwart said.
It is understood, the entire Indian touring party will reassemble on July 14 in Durham and enter a pre-series camp, including a possible tour game or two, before shifting base to Nottingham for the first Test in Trent Bridge. The five-Test series will open both England and India’s campaign in the next cycle of WTC. India will also take on South Africa, Bangladesh (away) and New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Australia (home) in their quest to reach the summit clash in 2023.