R Ashwin didn't get me out 27 times, says Kane Williamson

After losing the three-match series 3-0, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson spoke to the media and accepted that his team was done in by a mix of difficult conditions for them, the quality of their opposition in those conditions, and their own lack of application at times. The visitors had no clue against Indian off-spinner R Ashwin, who was named the Man of the Series for picking up 27 wickets in the series.

When asked about Ashwin's performance (the offie got the wicket of Kane Williamson on all 4 occasions), Williamson joked that Ashwin didn’t get his wicket 27 times but also got the wickets of his teammate. "He didn't get me out 27 times. He got a few other blokes out too," Williamson said.

On a more serious note, Williamson went on to mention the conditions and the way Ashwin used the rough that was created during the match. He also added that it was a great learning experience for his team and that it would surely help them going forward.

He said, "Ashwin's a good bowler. We're always learning playing internationals. I guess it's a new thing, personally as well. Come over here with so much rough, which is nice to bowl into. I suppose I was a victim of it a few times. I guess, when you are put in that situation where you are dismissed in a similar situation, you are able to learn and try to improve from that. The conditions guys are exposed to, and the quality of bowling, in a backhanded way, we can be thankful for those experiences that help move your game forward."

India are scheduled to play 10 more Tests at home this season. Virat Kohli’s men will host England in a five-match Test series followed by a one-off Test against Bangladesh and a four-match series against Australia.

When Williamson was asked to share his knowledge on the conditions and give the visiting teams a piece of advice, the Kiwi skipper emphasized the importance of winning the toss in these conditions.

Kohli carried on the luck he had with the toss during the South Africa series last year and won the toss on all the three occasions in this series.

"Winning the toss would be helpful, I think. Which is a challenge in itself: South Africa lost every toss as well. Have to be at your best. Whether you win the toss, lose the toss, India far superior in this series. It depends on the surfaces. Every surface has been different in this series, they were different in the South Africa series. Whether it is a good one… it is important to spend time at the crease, creating pressure. Batting first would be nice. It would help, certainly, in being more competitive. This India side is a very good team, and they certainly know these conditions better than anyone," Williamson concluded.

India and New Zealand will square off in a five-match ODI series that begins at Dharamsala on Sunday.