Ravichandran Ashwin has batted for his captain, saying that Virat Kohli’s comments on the format of the World Test Championship (WTC) final have been blown out of context.

Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, said that Kohli only expressed his opinion that the WTC final should be a best-of-three series rather than a one-off Test, but never demanded the format be changed.

India were thrashed by eight wickets in the inaugural WTC final, played in Southampton last month, by Kane Williamson’s New Zealand. The match was played over six days following several rain interruptions.

“I happened to hear people saying that Virat Kohli asked for three Tests to be played for the WTC final, but it is ridiculous… After the match got over, (former England captain and current cricket columnist) Michael Atherton had asked what he could have done differently in the WTC.

“Virat replied in a particular context that if three matches are played, then adaptability and comeback for a team are possible. But he never demanded something,” the off-spinner said on his YouTube channel.

The Indian players are currently on a three-week break before they reassemble in Durham on July 14 for the five Tests against England beginning in Nottingham from August 4.

Ashwin feels this break is very important for the players. “We were in the bubble throughout. So, after a long time, we are able to get some fresh air and step out.”

Ashwin revealed that the Black Caps celebrated their WTC victory till midnight, adding that it was quite difficult to watch the celebrations.

“After the match, New Zealand have this custom of celebrating with the trophy and a few drinks in the dressing room. It was tough to see it. I think it is the flip side of having a room above the ground. They celebrated until 12. They even arrived at the pitch, and it sounded like a war cry to express their happiness. It was quite upsetting to see as we couldn’t make it,” a candid Ashwin said.