New Delhi: In a thrilling encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Australia emerged victorious in the ICC World Cup 2023 final, earning admiration from veteran Indian bowler Ravichandran Ashwin for their strategic brilliance. Echoing Ashwin's sentiments, the legendary off-spinner lauded the performance of Australian captain Pat Cummins, whose pivotal spell altered the course of the match by dismissing key Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Despite a relatively subdued World Cup for Cummins, he made a stunning comeback in the final, using a barrage of off-cutters to keep India's batsmen on their toes.

The turning point of the match unfolded during a mid-innings conversation between Ashwin and George Bailey, Team Australia's chief selector. Still processing the outcome, Ashwin expressed his bewilderment at Australia's decision to bowl first, contrary to their traditional preference for batting after winning the toss. Bailey's response provided insight into Australia's astute reading of Indian pitches.

Mighty mighty heartbreak last night???? ????.

Everyone in the team had several days to remember during this campaign???????? and special mentions to @imVkohli @MdShami11 @ImRo45 and @Jaspritbumrah93 ????????.

However I can’t help but applaud the giants of modern day cricket “Australia”.…

— Ashwin ???????? (@ashwinravi99) November 20, 2023

In Ashwin's own words, "Australia totally deceived me personally. I had a chat with George Bailey during the mid innings, and I asked him why didn’t you guys bat first like you always do. He answered back, ‘We have played IPL & bilateral series here a lot. Red soil disintegrates but not the black soil & it gets better under lights. There is no impact of dew on red soil but black soil gives good turn in the afternoon & then it will become concrete at night. This is our experience.’”

Despite a valiant effort by the Indian team, they succumbed to a 6-wicket defeat as Australia secured their sixth ODI World Cup title. India's batting order failed to produce a substantial innings, with no player managing to play a match-winning knock. The spotlight shifted to Travis Head in the second innings, as the left-handed batsman delivered a sensational hundred, propelling Australia to a resounding victory.

Following the defeat, Ashwin took to Twitter to share his sentiments. In a tweet posted today, Ashwin acknowledged the emotional toll of the defeat, stating, “Mighty mighty heartbreak last night. Everyone in the team had several days to remember during this campaign and special mentions to @imVkohli @MdShami11 @ImRo45 and @Jaspritbumrah93 However; I can’t help but applaud the giants of modern-day cricket “Australia”. What they did on the field yesterday was just unbelievable.

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