IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals on the verge of signing Ravi Ashwin from KXIP

Kings XI Punjab’s Ravi Ashwin may make a move to Delhi Capitals if reports are to be believed. Ashwin is a person of interest for the Capitals, who feel they might benefit from him bowling on the spin-friendly wicket at Kotla. Meanwhile, KXIP is thinking of handing the captaincy duties over to KL Rahul for the upcoming season.

Ashwin had not been firing as a bowler or as a captain for the Punjab based franchise, which had made him captain after buying him in IPL 2018 auction after he was released by Chennai Super Kings. Ashwin led the team in both IPL 2018 and 2019, however, was unable to take the team into the playoffs on both occasions.

The franchise started off well, but couldn’t manage to sustain the momentum and much of it was blamed on Ashwin. The team finished at the sixth spot in the IPL 2019 and it seems the management’s patience with Ashwin and his unpredictable leadership has run its course.

A viable option for Delhi to replace aging Amit Mishra?

A source of Times of India was quoted as saying, “The deal with Ashwin should be through. The Capitals are very close to signing him. There are a few formalities that need to be taken care of.” Even Capital’s mentor and former India captain Ganguly mentioned that “We would love to have Ashwin in our team. It also depends on if Kings XI Punjab releases him.”

It seems that the Delhi based franchise sees Ravi Ashwin as a replacement to their ace spinner Amit Mishra, who at 36 is past his prime. Ashwin’s ability to use the long handle can come in handy as well. Though it is unlikely that he will be made the captain of the team, given that Shreyas Iyer has done well at the helm and even took the team to the playoffs for the first time after 2012.

Ravi Ashwin has played 139 matches in the IPL with 125 scalps under his belt at an average of 26.48 and economy of 6.79 including a solitary four-wicket haul. He picked up 15 wickets and scored 42 runs in 14 games for Kings XI Punjab last season.