Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @rashwin99
South African cricket great Daryll Cullinan has shared strong views on Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin‘s unexpected retirement from international cricket. Ashwin announced his retirement midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 after playing only one of the three Tests. He opted to leave without a farewell game, stating his desire to retire without fanfare.
Cullinan criticized the timing of Ashwin’s decision, calling it “selfish” and potentially disruptive to the team’s momentum. “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. It can be disruptive to a team mid-series. It was a matter of weeks. He could have retired after Sydney,” Cullinan told the Hindustan Times.
While Ashwin did not provide specific reasons for his retirement, reports suggested two key factors: a persistent back issue and doubts over his selection for overseas matches. Ashwin also dismissed speculation from his father, who claimed his retirement was due to “humiliation.”
Ashwin concluded his illustrious career with 537 wickets in 106 Tests, finishing as India’s second-highest wicket-taker across all formats.
Cullinan also commented on the ongoing series, asserting that a win in the final Test would make the tour a success for India. “I want to stress that if India win 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,” he said.
A victory in the final Test would secure a 2-2 series draw, allowing India to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for a record fifth consecutive time and keep their hopes alive for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
