IPL: Ravichandran Ashwin All Set To Join Delhi Capitals From Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab are looking all set to part ways with their skipper and senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The future of the spinner has been a talking point for quite some time now. Earlier reports suggested that Delhi Capitals and the Kings XI were involved in negotiations before the latter decided to retain the player.

Kings XI briefly changed their stance after roping in former India coach and captain Anil Kumble as their head coach. The off-spinner led the Punjab-based outfit in the last two seasons without much success. In both the seasons, Kings XI Punjab started well but failed to continue in the same manner.

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Consequently, their wait for their first-ever IPL title got extended for two more years. During these two seasons,  Ravichandran Ashwin played 28 matches for Kings XI Punjab and had picked up 25 wickets. Media reports suggested that Kings XI Punjab were keen to change their captain and thus wanted to trade Ravichandran Ashwin. But the deal looked over when Kings XI Punjab’s co-owner Ness Wadia confirmed that they would not sell the start spinner.

“The (KXIP) Board had a rethink and it realised that Ashwin is an integral part of the team. There were discussions with Delhi Capitals but those discussions never came to fruition. The way he plays his cricket and his performances speak for him,” Wadia had said.

However, the franchise has reportedly changed its stance now and will release Ashwin. According to latest reports, the deal had earlier fallen through as Kings XI didn’t get the two Delhi Capital players that they wanted in the trade. The franchise is now getting those two players and has thus decided to release Ravichandran Ashwin.

“Yes, Ashwin is joining Delhi Capitals. The deal had earlier fallen through as KXIP didn’t get the two DC players that they wanted in a trade-off with Ashwin. Now they are getting those two players and it’s 99 percent done,” a senior BCCI told PTI.

Meanwhile, the auction for the next season will take place in Kolkata next month.