Ravichandran Ashwin Defends Virat Kohli; Asserts That The Indian Captain Did Not Demand Three Tests For The WTC Final
Published - 02 Jul 2021, 01:43 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:48 AM
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has hit back on people who suggested that his captain Virat Kohli demanded three finals to occur to determine the ICC World Test Champions. After New Zealand beat India by eight wickets in the decider in Southampton to take the crown, several experts felt that the best of three finals is the right way to determine the champions.
The post-match presentations of the WTC final saw Virat Kohli indicate having the best of three finals to determine the World Test Champions as there are more comeback chances. With New Zealand having two Tests to acclimatize to the English conditions, they certainly had an advantage. On the contrary, India struggled since they did not have much match practice.
Ravichandran Ashwin termed the accusations as ridiculous and supported Virat Kohli, saying he did not demand three Tests for the final. The 34-year old underlined that Kohli responded to Michael Atherton by saying in a particular context that what could be done differently in the future is to have three matches played so there is more scope of bouncing back.
“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, Michael Atherton had asked what could be done differently in the WTC. Virat replied in a particular context that if three matches are played, then adaptability and come back for a team are possible. Kohli did not demand anything,” Ashwin said as quoted by Times Now.
Just hoping we win some other ICC tournament: Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin understands that fans would be disappointed by India’s performance in the final as they were predictably looking towards a win after suffering from a pandemic. Hence, Ashwin hopes that India’s jinks end soon and they win an ICC competition.
“When we lose a final, fans would be disappointed. Perhaps, billion Indians were looking forward to good news after lockdown and stuff. But it didn’t happen. Fingers crossed. Just hoping we win some other ICC tournament,” he added.
