‘Their celebration sounded like a war cry’ – R Ashwin spills the beans on New Zealand’s celebrations after WTC triumph

New Zealand put up a phenomenal show in the ICC World Test Championship final against India and lifted the prestigious title at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The Kiwi side defeated Virat Kohli’s men by eight wickets in the summit clash to get the glory. Both teams were neck to neck for the major part of the contest but the Blackcaps capitalized on some crucial moments and subsequently, crossed the line.

With New Zealand becoming the first world champions of the longest format, Kane Williamson and his men were evidently ecstatic. Spilling beans on the Kiwi team’s celebrations, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that New Zealand players celebrated until midnight and even went in the ground and to the pitch where they defeated India. Ashwin also admitted seeing the Kiwis celebrate in that fashion was ‘tough.’

It was quite upsetting to see as we couldn’t make it: R Ashwin

“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 latest video on his YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, Team India’s next assignment in the longest format is a five-match Test series against hosts England, starting from August 4. With a long tour lying ahead, the Indian cricketers have been allowed to leave the bio-bubble in UK to get relaxed. Speaking of the same, Ashwin said the break was necessary for players.

“We were in the bubble throughout. So, after a long time, we are able to get some fresh air and step out. I have rented a car, and I am just driving around the country. First, we visited Devon. It was a beautiful and picturesque place. We went at an altitude that connected the ocean and the hill,” he added.

Although Virat Kohli’s men couldn’t cross the line in the WTC final, many are backing them to defeat the Three Lions in the upcoming series. Ashwin, the highest wicket-taker of the inaugural WTC cycle, has been impressive lately and he’ll certainly be critical to India’s success.