R Ashwin has backed Virat Kohli after the Indian captain had to cope with heavy criticism for his statement that the World Test Championship final should be a series of 3 Test matches.

After the Indian cricket team was thumped by New Zealand in the WTC 2021 final, the news of Indian skipper Virat Kohli asking for a three-match Test series to be played to decide the winner of the World Test Championship (WTC) circulated everywhere and grabbed the attention of everyone. 

However, R Ashwin rubbished the talks and backed Virat Kohli, saying that Michael Atherton had asked Kohli as to whether anything different could be done in the WTC, replying to which he stated that three Test matches can be played to decide the winner.

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“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, Michael Atherton had asked what could be done differently in the WTC. 

Virat replied in a particular context that if three matches are played, then adaptability and come back for a team are possible. Kohli did not demand anything,” R Ashwin said in a video posted on his YouTube Channel. 

R Ashwin further talked about New Zealand's celebrations after their victory and how it was difficult to watch for him and his teammates as they were also staying at the ground.

“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 said in the video.

The Indian team will be next seen in action when they take on hosts England in the five-Test series, starting 4th August at Trent Bridge.