Ravichandran Ashwin, who was left out of the playing XI for the crucial WTC final, delivered a fitting response to the management by picking up a five-wicket haul in his first game since the snub, against West Indies.
The 36-year-old off-spinner emerged as the standout performer with the ball on the first day of the opening Test between India and West Indies, registering figures of 24.3-60-5.
With this achievement, Ashwin surpassed James Anderson’s fifer tally, taking his own count to 33. During a press conference after his remarkable performance, Ashwin addressed the WTC snub.
He expressed that playing in the WTC final could have been a pinnacle moment in his career, but he chooses not to dwell on it and instead focuses on delivering on the field.
Also Read: IND vs WI 2023: Watch – Mohammed Siraj Leaves Courtney Walsh Stunned with Spectacular Catch on Day 1 of the 1st Test
“Winning the WTC final would have been a significant achievement in my career, and I believe I could have played a valuable role in it. However, it didn’t work out that way, and sulking about being dropped won’t make a difference.”
“The difference between me and someone who sulks is that I choose to move forward and perform on the field. That’s how I want to leave my mark,” Ashwin stated.