Team India lost another chance to win an ICC title as they were beaten by New Zealand in the World Test Championship final. While experts have cited many reasons behind this defeat of the Indian team, one of the biggest points which have come up is the lack of practice games. Ravichandran Ashwin also spoke of the absence of cricketing action in the build-up to the WTC final as a contributing factor, although he maintained that it isn’t an excuse.
“I felt it have been a great moment to win the World Test Championship (WTC) final for those playing the Test format and ones who missed the World Cup last year. Certain things didn’t go our way. I thought the 6th day would be of no use, but it was useful, and we got a result,” Ashwin said in his YouTube video.
New Zealand continued their winning run in England, having beaten the hosts 1-0 in a 2-match Test series right before the WTC final started. On the other hand, the Indian team had arrived in Southampton following a month’s break having played no cricket since the IPL 2021 season was suspended midway. Ashwin, however, doesn’t see it as an excuse.
“New Zealand were well-deserved winners. They were in the game throughout, constantly swinging the ball. The rub of the green didn’t go our way. England is not an easy place to travel and take wickets or score runs instantly. We had a month’s break after the IPL and didn’t play any games. Not giving excuses, we gave our best shot but it didn’t happen, and it was disappointing,” he added.
As India’s wait for another ICC title goes on, Ashwin said that the result of the Test Championship final made him go numb. While the disappointment is huge, he is hopeful of the team ending the ICC title drought soon.
“I was numb after the game, wondering what had happened. Even on the last day, I believed we were in the match. The lbw of Kane Williamson, ball tracker showed the ball was missing. It was unexpected. Match got over and it was upsetting. Obviously, fans are disappointed and rightly so. A billion Indians were looking forward to some good news after the lockdown and such stuff. But it did not happen. Fingers crossed. Just hoping we can win some other ICC tournament,” Ashwin said in the video.
Moving on from the WTC final, the Indian team has a 5-match Test series against England to focus on starting August 04.
