In the first Test match of the current World Test Championship cycle for India and West Indies, Rohit Sharma’s men skittled the hosts for only 150 runs on Day 1 in Windsor Park, Dominica. India dominated the action on the first day of the first Test match despite the absence of any demons on the pitch. Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked up five wickets throughout the process, becoming just the third Indian bowler throughout the history of the game to surpass 700 international wickets.
In the post-game press conference, Ashwin discussed India’s defeat in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final and the necessity for the squad to start the next WTC cycle strongly.
I was also prepared to not play the game: Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin spoke to the press after a magnificent performance on the first day of the test against West Indies. He spoke about his feelings about sitting on the bench for the World Test Championship final. He said, “All that is fine. But what is the difference between me and another person if I also end up sulking in the dressing room? When we went to the WTC final, I was mentally prepared to play. I had prepared physically and mentally, planned for the game, everything. But, I was also prepared to not play the game.”
Indian cricket fans and pundits were puzzled by Ashwin’s exclusion from the WTC Final. The choice was harshly criticised, but Ashwin decided to consider the greater picture. The spinner claimed that India had to put everything behind them and kick off the new cycle with a roar because the team’s two consecutive final losses against New Zealand and Australia already hurt a lot.
The spinner insisted that he must move over his setback and added that life cannot have highs without lows. He said, “There is no cricketer or human being in this world that has gone through the highs without the lows. When you have the lows, it gives you two choices, either you sulk or talk about it and then complain about it and go along with it and go down. Or you learn from it. So I’m someone who’s constantly learnt from my lows.”
Fans react to Ravichandran Ashwin shedding light on him missing out on the WTC final against Australia:
Ravi Ashwin said, "when we went to play the WTC Final this time, I was fully prepared mentally and physically to play the game, but I also prepared to not play the game. If I'm not playing, how do I respond. It was unfortunate we couldn't win". (Vimal Kumar YT). pic.twitter.com/FJvJHuUrZ7
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 13, 2023
Hardik pandya has more 5-fer in SENA than you ??
— SAVAGE (@Freakvillliers) July 13, 2023
Ball was turning on day 1 ???and travis head wouldnt have scored
— cato nato (@catonato06) July 13, 2023
Mumbai Lobby kills his hope ?
Ashwin was far better player than lobby's icon Dogma in Test.— Sun? (@iamsunoffi) July 13, 2023
Ye mc management and captain selection mai politics and favourite ko select krke ICC tornament mai hag dete hai….
— RAJPUT BOY ? (@msdian_kuldeep) July 13, 2023
Poor call frm DRAVID AND ROHIT ??
— Dr_Tej ? (@Tejzai6) July 13, 2023
Will be interesting to see if the management takes emotional call and play him in the SA series
— Mr Om?? (@MrOm14852020) July 13, 2023
Poor judgement by Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid ?
— Anubhav K??? (@Anubhav_Memerz) July 13, 2023
When India had more csk player they won trophies and now with more mi players kya hi bolu sab ko pata hai india ka haal
— Gamers Pubg (@GamersPubg20) July 13, 2023
Jadeja could have taken 6 wickets in same no of overs.
— larry david (@moviebluff1234) July 13, 2023
