Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals The Reason Behind Him Leaving Kings XI Punjab For Delhi Capitals

Ravichandran Ashwin, ace Indian off-spinner, recently revealed the reason behind him parting ways with the Kings XI Punjab and joining Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2020 Indian Premier League auctions. Ashwin, who was a key part of the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings, was bought by Preity Zinta-led KXIP ahead of the 2018 edition of the cash-rich league.

The off-spinner was elected as the captain of the Kings XI Punjab but under his leadership, the side failed to qualify for the playoffs despite having a pretty good start to their campaign.

Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, made their way to the playoffs last season and according to Ashwin, the main reason behind him joining the Shreyas Iyer-led franchise is that he wanted to bolster the Capitals bowling attack and make them a force to reckon with in the playoffs.

“I was coming to a franchise which had qualified for the playoffs last season, and had some very exciting players including Rishabh (Pant) and Prithvi (Shaw). I thought I could use my experience for the franchise and improve the team further. If I could help in strengthening the bowling, we could be the front runners for the title, I came with that intention.” Ravi Ashwin during an Instagram Live session organised by the Delhi Capitals.

Also Read: It’s Going To Take Some Practise To Not Apply Saliva: Ravichandran Ashwin

‘We’ll need to adapt’- Ravichandran Ashwin on the changes in playing conditions in the post-corona world

The ICC has made quite a few changes to the playing conditions including the ban on the use of saliva on a cricket ball in the post-COVID world. Reacting on the changes, Ashwin said that it will take some time for players to get used to the changes, they’ll have to adapt.

“It may take time to get used to certain things. The entire lockdown and its experience is a way of our world, and nature telling us to pause, and take a back-step. Over the years, we’ve inflicted enough damage on this world, and it’s time to give the earth and nature its dignity back.”

“The same applies to cricket. In the 1970s-80s, wicket celebrations meant fielders standing in their respective positions and clapping. Things like high-fives and fist pumps are more recent, so when we all step out to play again, it may take time to get used to certain things, but we’ll need to adapt. For me as a bowler, putting saliva on the ball comes naturally, and it will take practice to avoid that,” he added.

Ashwin would have been plying his trade for the Delhi Capitals during this time but for global contagion Coronavirus that led to the 13th edition of the IPL getting postponed for an indefinite period of time.

Also Read: R Ashwin Reveals How Sachin Tendulkar Motivated Him In 2011 World Cup