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Kohli was just expressing his opinion on three match final, never demanded for it: Ravi Ashwin

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New Zealand were crowned the inaugural world Test champions when they defeated India by 8 wickets in Southampton to lift the ICC Test Championship mace. Following India’s below-par performance in another knockout game, Indian skipper Virat Kohli expressed his views and said that he would have been happier had the final been a three-match affair as it gives both teams equal opportunities to stage a comeback even if they lose the opening Test.

"I am not in absolute agreement of deciding the best Test side in the world over the course of one game," Kohli had said after his team's eight-wicket loss in Southampton.

"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 added. 

Several former cricketers have said that this is not a feasible option and big games are always one-off. Defending him, ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who was one of the standout bowlers for India in the final said that Kohli only expressed his opinion and what he thinks is the best way going forward and never demanded the format to be changed. 

"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, (former England player and renowned cricket writer) Michael Atherton had asked what he could have done differently in the WTC," Ashwin said.

"Virat replied in a particular context that if three matches are played, then adaptability and comeback for a team are possible. But he never demanded something," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

The Indian contingent who are currently in England are enjoying their time in the country away from the bio-bubble and will reassemble again on July 14 to start preparing for the five-match Test series against the home team beginning in Nottingham from 4th August. Ashwin who is expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming series said that the break is very important for the entire team. 

"We were in the bubble throughout. So, after a long time, we are able to get some fresh air and step out,” Ashwin said." 

After their victory, New Zealand celebrated to their heart’s content till midnight and it was a pill difficult to swallow for the whole of the Indian team. 

"After the match, New Zealand have this custom of celebrating with the trophy and a few drinks in the dressing room. It was tough to see it. I think it is the flip side of having a room above the ground. They celebrated until 12. They even arrived at the pitch, and it sounded like a war cry to express their happiness. It was quite upsetting to see as we couldn't make it," Ashwin concluded. 

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