In the post-match press conference after the WTC final, Indian captain Virat Kohli had stated that he’s not in absolute agreement on deciding the best Test team via a one-off finale. While the likes of R Ashwin and Ravi Shastri had also stated the same prior to the summit clash between India and New Zealand, many believed Kohl’s statement was an excuse after India’s loss.
Nonetheless, New Zealand’s winning captain Kane Williamson has now also joined the bandwagon and spoke in agreement with Kohli regarding the one-off finales.
“The set-up provides excitement. One-off final, it never really tells the whole picture,” Kane Williamson said while speaking to India Today. “As we know, this Indian team is a formidable side. It’s a great side and we are proud to achieve a win in this match but it doesn’t take away anything from the fact that how strong they are and what quality they have.”
Williamson also opined on India’s 8-year-long ICC-trophy drought with the WTC summit clash defeat and said, “They are relentless, they have a pace-attack which is best in the world, incredible spin bowlers and batting needs no mention. The depth that they have created. Emotion that a country brings for sport, we can all appreciate having India and their passion is rewarding. They (players) hold themselves as ambassadors of the game.”
Earlier, Kohli had openly stated regarding the one-off Test finals and said, “I am not in absolute agreement of deciding the best test side in the world over the course of one game.”
“If it is a test series, it has to be a test of character over three tests – which team has the ability to come back in the series, or totally blow away the other team. It can’t just be pressure applied over two days of good cricket and then you suddenly you are not a good test side anymore. I don’t believe in it,” he had added.
