Ashwin Set To Join Delhi Capitals; KL Rahul To Be Named KXIP Captain

It has been learned that apart from DC, Sunrisers Hyderabad expressed interest in Ashwin at one point, but talks did not go far

After leading the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) for two straight years in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to join Delhi Capitals (DC) for the upcoming season. According to an ESPNCricinfo report, the Delhi franchise is buying Ashwin out in an all-cash deal. If this change happens then it would be the fourth franchise Ashwin would be playing for. He has been an integral member of the Chennai Super Kings for 8 long years after which he represented Rising Pune SuperGiants and KXIP. In the absence of Ashwin, opener KL Rahul is expected to step into the skipper’s shoes for the upcoming season. The Preity Zinta owned franchise is going through an overhaul, with their entire coaching staff – led by Mike Hesson – being sacked. The reports further stated that apart from DC, Sunrisers Hyderabad expressed interest in Ashwin at one point, but talks did not go far. The offer then came from the Capitals, with both franchises engaged in talks for the past few months. If everything falls in place, Ashwin's induction will further enhance DC’s spin department. Ashwin’s captaincy record with KXIP Ashwin has played 28 IPL games for KXIP, taking 25 wickets and scoring 146 runs. Under his leadership, the Kings have won 12 games and lost 16 in the past two IPL seasons. Overall, Ashwin has so far claimed 125 wickets in 139 IPL matches. He possesses an economy rate of 6.79, which is the best among all Indian bowlers with 50-plus wickets.