"It was a selfish move” - Former South Africa batter blasts R Ashwin ahead of BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Former South Africa batter Daryll Cullinan has slammed Ravichandran Ashwin for retiring mid-way through the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Ashwin called it quits from international cricket immediately after the third Test of the five-match series in Brisbane ended in a draw.

The 38-year-old did not feature in the third Test, as India clung on to a draw to keep the five-match series at 1-1. Ashwin missed the first Test in Perth before returning to the 11 in the second Test in Adelaide.

However, India went with Ravindra Jadeja as the lone spinner for the Brisbane outing, following which Ashwin announced his retirement and returned home the day after.

Talking about Ashwin's move, Cullinan told 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. It can be disruptive to a team mid-series. It was a matter of weeks. He could have retired after Sydney."

Ashwin retired as India's second-highest wicket-taker overall (765) and in Tests (537), behind only Anil Kumble.

Cullinan also opined against Jasprit Bumrah's appointment as India's permanent captain should Rohit Sharma walk away.

"I've never been in favour of fast bowlers being captain. He may be the exception whilst India search for a long-term captain," he said.

Rohit has been under immense pressure due to his dismal batting form and India losing five out of the last six Tests under him.

Meanwhile, Bumrah led India to a massive 295-run win in Rohit's absence in the series opener in Perth.

"Pant needs to assess the situation" - Daryll Cullinan

BORDER GAVASKAR TROPHY TEST: DEC 30 NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test - Source: Getty

Daryll Cullinan has urged India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to assess the situation and bat according to the team's needs following his questionable dismissals in the fourth Australian Test in Melbourne.

Despite getting his eye in, Pant fell to attacking shots and was caught at third man and long-on in the two innings for scores of 28 and 30, respectively. His dismissal in the second innings sparked a collapse where India lost their final six wickets for 28 to suffer a 184-run defeat.

"Pant needs to assess the situation. It's the easy excuse well "that's the way" I play. I don't accept that explanation. He must play according to what's best for the team," Cullinan said in the same interview.

Pant has endured a sub-par series with only 154 runs in seven innings at an average of 22 and no half-centuries.