India's off-spinner R Ashwin called the loss in Southampton disappointing, while agreeing New Zealand were the deserving winners for the World Test Championship (WTC) title.
India were defeated by New Zealand in the WTC final after they posted a small target of 139 runs. Kane Williamson-led side chased it down with 8 wickets in hand on the reserve day after rain played spoilsport in the Test match.
Ashwin said it's not easy to come to England and start picking wickets or scoring runs straight away, considering India didn't get enough match practice before the important final. He felt the WTC final was important for those who play only Test format or the ones missing out on ODI World Cup.
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“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 shot but it didn’t happen, and it was disappointing," he said in a vlog on his YouTube channel.
India have not won an ICC tournament after their 2013 Champions Trophy victory. The loss in the WTC final has extended the wait, but Ashwin believes they may win an ICC marquee event soon.
“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."
