Ravichandran Ashwin to be traded to Delhi Capitals: Details here
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to join Delhi Capitals (DC) as he is to be traded by his current franchise Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) for the upcoming edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL). While the official announcement is yet to be made by either side, reports confirm that the deal is done and through. Here are further details.
Yes, Ashwin is joining Delhi Capitals: BCCI official
"Yes, Ashwin is joining Delhi Capitals. The deal had earlier fell through as KXIP didn't get the two DC players that they wanted in a trade-off with Ashwin. Now they are getting those two players and it's 99 percent done," said a BCCI official.
Ashwin was set to join Delhi earlier
Ashwin was set to join Delhi early on when KXIP were looking to trade him, as they were eyeing a couple of players from the former. However, the deal fell through after Anil Kumble was roped in as KXIP's head coach and the franchise decided against selling their senior-most bowler, besides no clarity over the two players to be traded.
Ashwin failed to lead KXIP to playoffs
Ashwin, who was roped in for Rs. 7.6 crores prior to IPL 2018, has been their skipper since 2018. As far as his performance at KXIP goes, he has played 28 matches, claiming 25 wickets at a poor average of 32.40, while he also managed to score 144 runs. However, he notably failed to lead the side to the playoffs so far.
KL Rahul could lead KXIP
Meanwhile, it is understood that following the trade of Ashwin, the captaincy of KXIP would be handed to KL Rahul, who had been their star performer. "Yes, that is very much a possibility because Rahul is not only one of the senior players, but also understands the working of the team and the strengths and weaknesses of those in the team," said a source.
How would Ashwin fare in Delhi?
Talking about Ashwin, the author believes that Delhi suits him perfectly. The prime reason behind this is the Kotla track, which is well-known to be sluggish, and Ashwin, being a spinner, can make a huge impact on such a track. Moreover, Delhi also need a world-class spinner like him to bolster their bowling attack, while their batting has been remarkable, of late.
