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Published 17:26 IST, June 12th 2023

Virender Sehwag remains baffled on India over R Ashwin saga after Australia's WTC win

Indian team decided to ditch Ravichandran Ashwin from the starting lineup as Shardul Thakur was preferred over the off-spinner in the WTC final.

Reported by: Anirban Sarkar
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Virender Sehwag-R Ashwin
Virender Sehwag during a match and Ashwin on the sidelines of WTC Final (Image: PTI/Disney-Hotstar) | Image: self
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Why you are reading this: India's unwanted streak to lose ICC finals continued to haunt them as Australia crushed Rohit Sharma and Co by 209 runs in the World Test Championship final. Barring Ajinkya Rahane, no other players managed to stand their ground in this event. Their shameful loss attracted a lot of ire and criticism from all over the world. 

3 things you need to know

  • This was India's second-ever appearance in the WTC final

  • This loss is one of India's heaviest defeats in the longest format
  • Australia became the first cricket team to record all ICC men's trophy 

Virender Sehwag provides his opinion on India's team selection

India decided to ditch Ravichandran Ashwin from the starting lineup as Shardul Thakur was preferred over the off-spinner. But Virender Sehwag feels India lost their mind by excluding Ashwin in the WTC final. He also insisted Ashwin's spin web could have worked against a batting lineup consisting of left-handed players. The former World Cup winner also suggested one team should have the right mindset and approach if they are to conquer a championship.

Read More: Pat Cummins has the 'perfect response' to Rohit Sharma's excuses after WTC Final defeat

India's decision of bowling first seemed to have backfired as Australia piled on 469 runs in the first inning. Both Travis Head and Steve Smith scored centuries respectively as the Aussies had a run feast in the first inning. Indian pacers couldn't really use the overcast condition and the green top surface which were on offer.

Read More: ICC hands heavy sanctions to India and Australia for Code of Conduct breach in WTC Final

Oval usually also helps batsmen as the game goes on but the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed miserably to display their batting credentials on this surface. With the ICC Cricket World Cup hovering on the horizon, there should be massive reshuffling in the ranks.

India will now travel to West Indies next month as they will play two Test matches, five T20Is and three ODI matches.

17:08 IST, June 12th 2023