Ravi Ashwin is set to join Delhi Capitals in IPL, KL Rahul likely to become Kings XI Punjab captain

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to join Delhi Capitals for the upcoming Indian Premier League season in 2020. If finalised, the move would be termed as a trade but it is understood that Capitals are buying Ashwin in an all-cash deal. KL Rahul would be the best candidate for Kings XI Punjab’s captaincy.

The talks between Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab is going on for a long time. The talks were initiated by the Capitals as they want to expand their already large base of spinners. Capitals’ list of Indian and overseas spinners include Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Rahul Tewatia, Jalaj Saxena, Mayank Markande, J Suchith and Sandeep Lamichhane.

Ravichandran Ashwin was bought by Kings XI Punjab in 2018 for Rs 7.6 crore and was appointed as captain. Ashwin’s Punjab started their season on a high but failed to enter the playoffs in the both 2018 and 2019. On the other hand, Capitals qualified for the playoffs this year for the first time since 2012 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, who was appointed as captain in 2018 after Gautam Gambhir pulled out midseason.

If the deal is successful, it is very unlikely that Ashwin would be appointed as the captain of the franchise after looking at Iyer’s track-record. Delhi Capitals would be the fourth IPL franchise for Ravi Ashwin, who has previously represented Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants and Kings XI Punjab.

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