Team India endured a massive 209-run defeat at the hands of Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final at The Oval on Sunday (June 11).

Chasing 444 to win, India were 164/3 at the close of play on Day 4 and needed 280 runs on the fifth and final day to bag the title. However, the Indian batting line-up collapsed in the very first session to be bundled out for 234.

After the disappointing result, India skipper Rohit Sharma advocated a best-of-three finals format going forward.

"I would like to play the 3-Test match series for the WTC Final. We worked hard and we fought but we played just one game. I think a three-match series would be ideal in the next WTC cycle," Rohit said in the post-match press conference.

However, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has opposed Rohit’s suggestion.

"I don't think (there should be best of three finals). It is not there any of the big events; be it FIFA (World Cup), tennis (Grand Slams), not even in cricket. If you are playing an ODI World Cup, there won't be three finals. The concept of three finals will take us to the wrong direction, I think there should be only one final. Both the teams should prepare well for the summit clash," said Harbhajan on his YouTube channel.

Notably, Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first in the WTC but Indian bowlers failed to make the most of the overcast conditions. Australia rode on centuries from Travis Head (163) and Steve Smith (121) to pile up 469 in their first innings.

In response, India’s first innings folded for 296, conceding a substantial lead of 173 runs to Australia. The Pat Cummins-led side declared their second innings at 270/8 to set a huge target of 444.