India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has received a new assignment for this year’s IPL. The 31-year-old will lead the Kings XI Punjab. Ashwin, who has played seven seasons for the Chennai Super Kings and one season for the Rising Pune Supergiant, has taken 100 wickets in 111 IPL matches at an average of 25.00. The Tamil Nadu bowler was bought for Rs 7.6 crore during the IPL auction last month.
It will be a challenging role for the off-spinner as the Kings XI Punjab haven’t enjoyed a good record at the IPL. They have reached the second leg of the tournament only twice in 10 seasons. Their best result was in 2014, when they finished as runners-up.
I feel honoured to be trusted with the responsibility of leading such a talented bunch of cricketers. I am confident of bringing out the best out of team mates. This is indeed a proud moment for me. There is no additional pressure on me as such. I first led my state side in first-class cricket when I was 21. I have done it in the past and I am sure that I will enjoy the challenge.Ravichandran Ashwin
Kings XI Punjab made the boldest moves at the auction this year, and at times it worked wonders for them. They can have a settled opening pair in KL Rahul and Aaron Finch. They will surely try Chris Gayle in the first few games and if he scores big, then Punjab could easily be one of the contenders to win the IPL.
They have good finishers in David Miller and Marcus Stoinis, and also an experienced off-spinner in Ravichandran Ashwin.
The only department Kings XI Punjab lack in is an experienced set of fast bowlers.
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