Ricky Ponting Says Ravichandran Ashwin Adds Value To Any Team He Is Part Of

Ravichandran Ashwin came under fire for his sub-standard captaincy during his stint at Kings XI Punjab. He was on the receiving end of trolls and abuses for his inability to lead the side from the front as his side hardly posed a serious title challenge in the last two seasons. However, former Australian skipper and current head coach of Delhi Capitals, Ricky Ponting thinks otherwise.

According to Ponting, Ravi Ashwin is a much-needed asset who adds a good shape and a lot of value to any team that he is a part of. Ponting is pretty much confident that Ashwin will make an instant impact when he is traded to Delhi Capitals. Ponting also backed Ashwin’s smart bowling on slower pitches. With Ashwin expected to be part of their side, the team would get a new weapon to pose a threat to the opposition.

Ravichandran Ashwin adds a lot of value to any team: Ponting

“Ashwin adds a lot of value to any team that he is a part of, and I am sure it is going to be no different when he joins Delhi Capitals. It is no secret that the pitch on our home ground is on the slower side, and is known to assist spinners. I believe, Ashwin, with his clever bowling, will have a tremendous impact when he bowls on it,” Ponting was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

“I would like to wish Suchith all the very best, and I am sure he will excel in his new team. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Ravichandran Ashwin to the Delhi Capitals family,” Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal added.

Ravichandran Ashwin has represented three IPL franchises so far namely Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants and Kings XI Punjab. He won the IPL twice with CSK in 2010 and 2011 and was the skipper of Kings XI Punjab for the last 2 seasons. He boasts a good record in the international circuit. He has played 68 Tests and 111 ODIs for India and has bagged 357 and 150 wickets

“He is easily one of the best and most experienced spinners around, with a tremendous record in India and IPL colours. There is no doubt in my mind that Ashwin’s presence will benefit our team tremendously, as we eye the big prize – the IPL title,” he added.