‘Disappointing to end up on the wrong side ‘ - Ravichandran Ashwin opens up after India’s heartbreaking loss in WTC summit clash

The World Test Championship final (WTC) 2023 saw the Indian team succumb to a hefty defeat against the Pat Cummins-led Australia. The Aussies arguably outclassed the Indian team throughout the game, as they won the final by 209 runs and clinched their first WTC title.

India aimed to chase down 444 runs in the second innings to win the game but early dismissals upfront found them in trouble by the end of Day 4. However, the hopes were still alive as Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane stood at the crease when the play began on Day 5.

As Day 5 got underway, Kohli was sent packing quite early by Scott Boland. Following his dismissal, the Aussies were quick to bundle out the rest of the Indian batting line-up and win the clash.

After the heartbreaking loss, veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin took to Twitter to give his take on the game. Ashwin congratulated Australia on their title win and credited the Indian team for its grit and resilience throughout the entire cycle.

"Congratulations Australia on winning this #WTCFinal and closing out this cycle of test cricket. It is disappointing to end up on the wrong side of things, but nevertheless, it was a great effort over the last 2 years or so to get here in the first place. Amidst all the chaos and scathing assessments, I feel it’s very important to acknowledge all my teammates who played in this cycle and, most importantly, the coaching and support staffs who have held on like a rock of support," Ashwin tweeted.

Congratulations Australia on winning this #WTCFinal and closing out this cycle of test cricket. It is disappointing to end up on the wrong side of things, nevertheless it was a great effort over the last 2 years or so to get here in the first place.

Amidst all the chaos and…

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 11, 2023

It is also worth noting that Ashwin was left out of the playing XI for the final taking the conditions at The Oval into consideration. Being the No. 1 ranked bowler in Test cricket, Ashwin’s absence from the squad raised many questions among experts and fans alike. Many greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag took to Twitter to question Ashwin’s exclusion from the squad following the loss as well.