Kings XI Punjab’s newly-appointed Director of Cricket Operations Anil Kumble on Wednesday said that the franchisee are yet to take a final call on the future of skipper Ravichandran Ashwin for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Kumble's remarks come after KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia had indicated a couple of days back that the franchise has decided not to trade the spinner with Delhi Capitals.

“There is no decision that has been taken yet. I have just come on board, in the last one week. We will know in the due course the decisions we are going to make. I haven’t got down to the details of the squad. The players we are going to retain, the players we are going to trade, none of those areas have been looked into,” former India head coach Kumble said.

When asked if his remarks hinted at the off-spinner staying with KXIP for the next season, Kumble said: “We will let you know. At this point in time, like I said, I have just come in.” Under Ashwin’s leadership, KXIP played well in the first half of the past two seasons before losing steam in the second half. They finished seventh in 2018 and sixth in 2019.

Ashwin has come back with a bang in red ball cricket in the home series against South Africa after not being part of the first XI in the West Indies. Kumble also said his aim with the team is to make it consistent for the long haul by blending in more experience in the side.

“Focus will be on strengthening the squad from all angles. There is no ideal team as in the auction you won’t get the players you want. You need to be smart. We need bit more of experience in the squad.