‘I accept it…’- R Ashwin suggests series format for WTC Final after India's consecutive losses

The Indian Cricket Team recently finished their Test series against South Africa. The visitors didn't prevail against the hosts in the 1st Test at the Centurion. However, with a great comeback, they had the upper hand against South Africa in Cape Town during the 2nd Test, which Rohit Sharma’s side won by 7 wickets. India is currently 2nd on the WTC table and will look to lift the title after they lost their last two-cycle finals to New Zealand and Australia.

3 things you need to know 

• India beat South Africa in the 2nd Test by 7 wickets 
• India vs South Africa series ended in a tie 1-1
• R Ashwin is nominated for the best ICC Test Player of the Year

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R Ashwin would like to have the WTC Final in a series format

The Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that the World Test Championship Final be split into a three-match series. Ashwin shared his viewpoint on his YouTube channel, pointing out that India had lost the WTC Finals two times in a row. But he thinks the losses could not truly reflect the team's ability in a game where results are determined by narrow margins.

A three-Test series structure, according to Ashwin, would allow teams a chance to rally, particularly if they faced difficulty in the first game. By addressing the possible drawbacks of a single-match final, this proposal seeks to provide a more thorough assessment of a team's ability within the framework of the World Test Championship. Ashwin said:

“Yes, we lost two WTC finals, I accept it wholeheartedly. But in a case of Test series, a comeback is always possible,”

“We played New Zealand in England, then we played Australia in England; we lost both. But was there a chance of comeback if we played two more Test?"

“It’s just fine margins. So, should the WTC final be played as a series? Is there a window available for it? The ICC should decide that,”

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India lost to Australia in 2023 and New Zealand in 2021, respectively, in the World Test Championship Finals. India had bad luck in the 2021 rain-affected final as a result of meteorological circumstances. However, they were soundly outmatched while against Australia in 2023.

India is currently ranked second in the WTC points standings. Australia, the reigning champions, took the top place again after beating Pakistan 3-0 in their home series. Beginning the 2023–2025 campaign with a tie in the Ashes series in England, Australia has gone on to dominate Pakistan at home. In the future, Australia will play host to India in a difficult five-match Test series in 2024.

On the other hand, the Indian team's recent matches yielded inconsistent results. In a two-match series that ended in a draw, they overcame South Africa in Cape Town after suffering a crushing loss in Centurion. Notably, the latter triumph was achieved in the shortest Test match in cricket history.