Ravichandran Ashwin criticized for ‘wicked’ and ‘selfish’ retirement decision in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

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

The timing of his decision has already raised many eyebrows, with former South African batsman Daryll Cullinan criticizing Ashwin for taking time out of his career at such a critical time Down Under.

Daryll Cullinan slams Ravichandran Ashwin’s “selfish” call on Australian tour

Daryll Cullinan did not 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 frustrated at not being picked in the playing XI.

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Notably, Ravichandran Ashwin had won only one of three Tests in India at the time when he announced his retirement from international cricket in the middle of the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. against Australia. Ashwin was overlooked for Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja on the Australian tour.

Daryll Cullinan talks about Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket

Cullinan claimed that Ashwin preferred personal feelings to the best interests of the team. The former South African cricketer also claimed that there must be questionable reasons behind the former India all-rounder’s call-up which he cannot reveal publicly, but stressed that it was a ‘wicked reaction’ to not being picked in the playing XI.

However, the former South African batsman believes Ashwin’s sudden retirement upset the Indian cricket team amid BGT 2024-25 and criticized the spin wizard for not waiting until the end of the New Year Test in Sydney against Australia to bid farewell to the international game.

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Daryll Cullinan was quoted in the Hindustan Times as saying, “Ashwin should not retire or be allowed to retire in the middle of a series. It was a selfish move, apparently for reasons he won’t make public. It was a spiteful reaction to not being selected It can disrupt a team in the middle of a series, andit was a matter of weeks. He could have retired after Sydney.”

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

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

The former Proteas striker mentioned that if India manage to win the New Year Test, it would be a successful tour for them and he has a strong feeling that India will win in Sydney. Cullinan added: “I want to emphasize that if India win in Sydney it has been a successful tour for them. I don’t see why they can’t win in Sydney! In fact, I think it will.”

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Daryll Cullinan suggests Rohit Sharma retire from Test cricket

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

He signed off saying, “I think he is comfortable playing cricket in India and making a permanent move to white-ball cricket. The right and wise thing to do now. Rohit should bide his time. If not, the selectors must decide for him.”