As the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final approaches, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his thoughts on Team India’s remarkable achievement of qualifying for the final once again. The final, scheduled to take place at the iconic Oval from June 7-11, has already garnered immense excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Ashwin, who concluded the WTC 2021-23 season as the third-highest wicket-taker with an impressive tally of 61 wickets from 13 Test matches, expressed his delight at India’s progression as a Test side since the retirement of MS Dhoni.
“It has been an exciting journey for everybody within the Test team. Many players have been representing the nation for over a decade. Our turnaround began in 2014-15, right after MS Dhoni’s retirement. We started a new chapter and have been steadily improving,” Ashwin shared in his interaction with BCCI.
Having qualified for the WTC final on back-to-back occasions, Ashwin highlighted the significance of this achievement. Although India fell short in the previous final against New Zealand, Ashwin believes that the team is better prepared this time around.
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“We embarked on our own journey, which wasn’t easy without the senior players. But I can confidently say that our efforts have yielded positive results over the course of the two WTC editions. Qualifying for the final for the second time is no small feat,” Ashwin added.
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In a lighthearted manner, Ashwin concluded by stating that India’s qualification for the final is a deserving reward for their consistent performances. He even playfully teased teammate Cheteshwar Pujara, referencing Pujara’s recent milestone of playing his 100th Test match.
“As Pujji mentioned in his 100th Test match video, I believe we all deserve to win this for Pujji,” Ashwin quipped with a smile.
Australia, the opponent in the final, is equally eager for the clash. A victory for Australia would not only secure them their maiden WTC title but also set the stage for the upcoming Ashes series, commencing on June 16.
With anticipation building, the WTC Final promises to be a riveting battle between two cricketing giants. Ravichandran Ashwin’s reflection on India’s journey adds to the excitement surrounding this pinnacle event. Team India’s consistent performances and their qualification for back-to-back finals demonstrate their determination and resilience.