WTC Final: New Zealand were well-deserved winners, says Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reckons New Zealand were well-deserved winners of the World Test Championship. The Kiwis won the WTC final by eight wickets as they dominated the whole match.

Ashwin added that it was not easy for them to see New Zealanders celebrate after their win.

The match was in a balance till the reserve day but New Zealand were able to put their noses ahead on the final day. India lost the remaining eight wickets in a jiffy on reserve day and it was the turning point of the game.

Ashwin added that he was numb after the match ended and wondered what had happened. The off-spinner felt certain things didn’t go their way in the final and New Zealand were able to grab the crucial stages of the match.

Ashwin said while talking on his YouTube Channel, “I felt that the Southampton match would be important to players. It would 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.”

“They were well-deserved winners. They were in the game throughout, constantly swinging the ball. We gave our best shot. 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 out best sho,t but it didn’t happen, and it was disappointing.”

“I was numb after the match ended, 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 added that it was upsetting to see New Zealand players celebrate. Meanwhile, Ashwin scalped four wickets in the WTC Final. The off-spinner ended as the leading wicket-taker of WTC as he snared 71 wickets.