Ace India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named the skipper of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab

Ipl 2018:Ace India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named the skipper of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab Ace India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named the skipper of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab, for the upcoming edition of the tournament Virender Sehwag, mentor of the KXIP side made the announcement on Monday during a live video via the franchise’s official Facebook page. Ashwin was always the frontrunner to be the coach and his announcement as the leader does not come as a surprise. Ashwin is now the tenth player to captain KXIP and joins the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Murali Vijay, David Miller, George Bailey among those who have led the side During the IPL Auctions in January, Ashwin was bought by the Punjab side for a whopping 7.6 crore, after Chennai Super Kings did not retain the spinner Speaking on his appointment, R Ashwin said, I am confident of bringing out the best out of team mates. This is indeed a proud moment for me.” He further added, “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.” The reports of Ashwin leading the side had surfaced earlier, but an official word had to come in from the side. “There was also talk in the management about making Yuvraj captain. Yuvraj is a great friend, but in cricketing matters, you keep friendships aside and we all felt Ashwin will be a great leader for us”, Sehwag was quoted as saying. Ashwin has previously played for CSK till 2015, and in the last two years appeared for Rising Pune Supergiant. In 111 IPL matches so far, Ashwin has picked 100 wickets at an average of 24.99 and at an economy rate of 6.55. The team took to Twitter and wrote, “We have a new #KingOfTheNorth! Sheron, give a big welcome to the Protector of the Realm! Our new captain, @ashwinravi99! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi.” “I feel honoured to be trusted with the responsibility of leading such a talented bunch of cricketers,” Ashwin told the team website. “I am confident of bringing out the best out of teammates. This is indeed a proud moment for me,” cricbuzz quoted him saying. Whether he successfully leads the KXIP side in this edition is a matter of conjecture and remains to be seen. Ashwin is a seasoned campaigner in the IPL and ha previously represented Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. So far in In 111 IPL matches Ashwin has scalped 100 wickets at an average of 24.9 and a an economy rate of 6.55.]]>