WTC final win would have been high point of my career, bemoans Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin picks 5/60 on his return to playing XI during Day 1 of the 1st IND-WI Test.

The first day of the first game between India and the West Indies at Windsor Park truly belongs to the visitors. It was led by Ravichandran Ashwin, who made a stellar comeback in the playing XI and showed why he is the No. 1 ranked Test bowler in the world. He provided India the first breakthrough and ended up with his 33rd five-wicket haul to help the team dismiss the hosts for a low score of 150 runs in 64.3 overs.

Ashwin took 5/60, which was his fifth five-wicket haul against the West Indies in test cricket. Speaking after the stumps with a journalist, Vimal Kumar, Ashwin reflected on his performance and said that it was an excellent day of cricket for him and the team. He also opened up about his omission from the final of the World Test Championship against Australia last month.

"It’s very tough"- Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on his WTC snub 

After a brilliant performance on the opening day, Ashwin interacted with journalist Vimal Kumar and spoke about his performance. He was also asked about his WTC snub and how he managed to control his emotions. The 36-year-old admitted that it was tough for him when you have a chance to play in an ultimate test and you get dropped despite doing well. He also added, "But what is the difference between me and another youngster or another person if I also end up sulking inside the dressing room?"

Ravichandran Ashwin said that he was prepared to have a go in the WTC final but also knew that he could get dropped. He stated, "How do I make sure the team dressing room is really up and about because winning the WTC final is the most important thing and it would have been a very high point of my career and I would have played a good role in it. It was just unfortunate it didn’t pan out… But all I’d like to give my teammates and Indian cricket, on the whole, is some understanding and my best efforts on the field."

Furthermore, he also spoke about the playing conditions on the first day of the first test in Dominica. The 36-year-old said that the pitch had a bit of moisture in it, but the turn was rather slow. He also recalled the wise advice he got from Indian head coach Rahul Dravid. Ravichandran Ashwin said that when he looked back at his career, he remembered one thing from Dravid: it is no longer about the runs or wickets you have taken; it is about the memories you have created in your career. He concluded by saying that when cricket re-started after COVID-19, he promised himself that he would enjoy every moment of his cricketing career.