Ravichandran Ashwin slammed for 'Spiteful' and 'Selfish' retirement decision in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected and shocking retirement from international cricket midway through the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has sent shockwaves through the cricket world.

The timing of his decision already raised many eyebrows, with former South African batter Daryll Cullinan criticizing Ashwin for calling time on his career during such a critical moment Down Under.

Daryll Cullinan slams Ravichandran Ashwin's “selfish” call on Australia tour

Daryll Cullinan didn’t hold back, labeling Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire in the middle of the ongoing five-match Test series in Australia as a “selfish” move. He also pointed out that the legendary off-spinner decided to retire in frustration over not being selected in the playing XI.

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Notably, Ravichandran Ashwin got only one of India’s three Tests at that time when he announced his retirement from international cricket midway through the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. Ashwin was overlooked for Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja on the Australia tour.

Daryll Cullinan speaks on Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement from international cricket

Cullinan claimed that Ashwin preferred personal sentiments rather than the team’s best interests. The former South African cricketer also claimed that there must have been questionable reasons behind the former Indian all-rounder’s call that he can’t disclose publicly, but stressed that it was a 'spiteful reaction' to not being selected in the playing XI.

Still, the former South African batter believes that Ashwin’s sudden retirement disturbed the Indian cricket team in the middle of the BGT 2024-25 and slammed the spin wizard for not waiting till the conclusion of the New Year’s Test in Sydney against Australia to bid adieu to the international game.

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Daryll Cullinan was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times: “Ashwin should not be retiring or allowed to retire mid-series. It was a selfish move, clearly for reasons he won't make public. It was a spiteful reaction to not being selected and It can be disruptive to a team mid-series, it was a matter of weeks. He could have retired after Sydney.”

I can't see why India can't win in Sydney: Daryll Cullinan

Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team is currently on the brink of losing the ongoing Test series to Australia, having lost the second and fourth Tests to the hosts. So, the stakes are high for the upcoming fifth and final Test, starting on January 3, but Daryll Cullinan is confident that India can turn the tables at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

The former Proteas batter mentioned that if India manages to win the New Year’s Test, it would be a successful tour for them, and he has a strong feeling that India will come out on top in Sydney. Cullinan added, “I want to stress that if India wins in Sydney, it's been a successful tour for them. I can't see why they can't win in Sydney! In fact, I think they will.”

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Daryll Cullinan suggests Rohit Sharma to retire from Test cricket

Speaking about the Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s batting struggles, Cullinan has pointed out the seasoned batter’s struggles against pace and bounce, especially in South Africa and Australia. He suggested Rohit consider retiring from Test cricket and focus on white-ball cricket.

He signed off by saying, “I think he is comfortable playing his cricket in India and moving permanently to white-ball cricket. The right thing and wise thing to do now. Rohit should call time. If he doesn't, selectors must make the decision for him.”