IPL 2018: Ravichandran Ashwin highly likely to lead Kings XI Punjab

In this year’s (2018) Indian Premier League (IPL) mega-auction, one of the weakest sides in the Twenty20 domestic tournament so far, Kings XI Punjab bought some promising stars, ahead of the cash-rich league. There have been some sensational buys and one of the most prominent of them is being Ravichandran Ashwin. He has been snapped up for INR 7.6 crore as the Chennai Super Kings didn’t want to retain him.

Prominent off-spinner Ashwin has gained a lot of experience playing under Mahendra Singh Dhoni and understands the game very well. In all likelihood, Ashiwn will lead the franchise in the upcoming tournament.

“In all probability, Ashwin will lead the Kings XI Punjab team. However, a final decision will be made only after Virender Sehwag (team director and mentor) returns from Switzerland,” a Kings XI Punjab source was quoted as saying by Mid-Day.

KXIP in all probabilities will entrust the Tamil Nadu bowler with the leadership after 10 years of experience in the league. He has emerged as one of the biggest names to take over the captaincy.

However, Kings XI have also shortlisted Yuvraj Singh, Axar Patel, Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch and KL Rahul.

Ashwin who made his name during the first edition of the IPL has been a sensational performer in the tournament for the Chennai Super Kings.

In 2016 Ashwin played for the Rising Pune Supergiant when CSK was suspended due to their owner’s involvement in 2013 IPL spot-fixing saga.

“As of now, nothing has been spoken about regarding captaincy. I have done well for TN in the past as skipper. I haven’t led TN in the T20 format. I’m someone who will not let things run away. If at all given an opportunity, I will try to give my best,” Ashwin said ahead of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

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