‘Strategist’ Ashwin to lead Kings XI in IPL

Chandigarh, February 26 

Kings XI Punjab today named senior India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as its captain for the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

“Ravichandran Ashwin has officially succeeded the throne as the new captain of Kings XI Punjab for the upcoming Indian Premier League season,” said the franchisee, which also has the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Chris Gyale in their ranks.    

“Ashwin is a master strategist and keen reader of the game and will undoubtedly bring his vast array of experience into play while leading the Kings,” KXIP added.  

The 31-year-old all-rounder is no stranger to IPL glory. He had two IPL titles during his eight-year stint with Chennai Super Kings from 2009 to 2015. He played for Pune Supergiants in the previous edition of the league.

“I feel honoured to be trusted with the responsibility of leading such a talented bunch of cricketers,” said Ashwin. “I am confident of bringing out the best out of teammates. This is indeed a proud moment for me.”

No pressure

He also put to rest the questions regarding his ability to balance the pressures of captaincy with those of being one of the main strike bowlers of the team.

“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 am sure that I will enjoy the challenge,” said the spinner. 

Ashwin has not found any favour with the Indian team in the shortest format over the last few months. He played his last T20I for India in July, 2017 against the West Indies, while his last ODI appearance was against the same opponents in June, last year.  

Sehwag backs Ashwin

However, KXIP mentor and former India cricketer Virender Shewag backed skipper Ashwin, saying that he always preferred a bowler to lead the side.     

Sehwag, though, acknowledged the huge support which Yuvraj Singh received in the lead-up to the announcement.  

“90 per cent of our fans were saying Yuvraj Singh was the best choice. But I was looking at someone different. I always thought that a bowler should be made the captain because I was a big fan of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Kapil Dev. They did very well for their teams,” said Sehwag, who announced the decision on Facebook live video on KXIP’s official page today.

“I thought a bowler would be the best candidate for our team’s captaincy. Yuvraj Singh was also there in our minds. But a lot of votes from our support staff and owners went to Ashwin,” he added.

“We are thinking long-term. We are looking at having Ashwin as captain for the next three to four years. However, it also depends on how the upcoming season goes for us,” Sehwag pointed.  

Yuvraj led KXIP to the last-four stage of the championship in its inaugural edition in 2008 and has since then gone on to represent now-defunct Pune Warriors, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

A warm welcome

Meanwhile, KXIP players welcomed the new skipper and reposed faith in his ability as a leader. “Looking forward to @ashwinravi99 leading the way for @lionsdenkxip in the @IPL this year. Going to be great fun,” tweeted KL Rahul.

Brad Hodge also appreciated the leadership qualities in Ashwin. “A true leader who will get his chance to embark on a new chapter for the @lionsdenkxip. Congratulations @ashwinravi99 look forward to a great partnership,” said the Aussie. — TNS/Agencies