Last week, New Zealand overcame India by eight wickets to win the first World Test Championship. Though the Kiwis’ margin of victory implies it was an easy win, India remained in the game on the sixth day, defending a modest 139. While the pacers were doing their work, off-spinner Ravi Ashwin was keeping a close eye on the Kiwi batters from the other end. Ashwin on WTC final loss.

We gave our best shot but it didn’t happen’: Ashwin says he was ‘numb’ after losing WTC Final to NZ

Instead, it was he who made the breakthroughs, removing Tom Latham and Devon Conway to put New Zealand at 44/2. However, despite some initial nerves, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor were ready to lead the side across the finish line. Interestingly, Ashwin had previously bowled the Kiwi captain, only to have his lbw judgment overruled by DRS.

In the innings, Ashwin was India’s finest bowler, allowing only 17 runs in 10 overs while picking up two wickets and delivering five maidens. He was obviously unhappy, and he has now admitted that he felt really numb following India’s loss. He also claimed that even on the final day, the team felt confident.

Ashwin on WTC final loss “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,” he said in an Interview.

‘Hoping we can win some other ICC tournament’: R Ashwin

Ravi Ashwin understood the despair of Indian supporters at home, who had been on lockdown for the better part of a year and were looking forward to the WTC Final. The off-spinner, on the other hand, stated that the team gave it their all and hoped to win an ICC event soon.

“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”.

“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 shot but it didn’t happen, and it was disappointing,” the 34-year-old signed off.

 

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