IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals to buy out Ravichandran Ashwin in an all-cash deal

Two years after sensationally buying Ravichandran Ashwin, Kings XI Punjab are all set to part ways with the off-spinner. The Punjab-based outfit spent INR 7.6 crore (then USD 1.176 million approx) to secure the services of the India ace. Ashwin was immediately named the Kings XI captain in 2018 but could not change the team’s fortunes.

Despite having some of the biggest names in their ranks, the Kings XI could not make it to the playoffs in the last two seasons. Ashwin is likely to join Delhi Capitals ahead of the next season. Delhi Capitals had a fine run in IPL this year where they made it to the playoffs.

The team, which is full of youngsters, will definitely be bolstered by the addition of an experienced man like Ashwin. According to ESPNcricinfo, Delhi Capitals are buying out Ashwin in an all-cash deal. Thus no player from Delhi would move to Kings XI.

The report further claimed that Sunrisers Hyderabad were also interested in Ashwin. However, the talks did not go far before Kings XI struck a deal with Delhi. Both the teams were engaged in talks for the past few months to strike the right deal for Ashwin.

In case, the deal is successful, Delhi Capitals’ spin department will become even stronger. The national capital-based outfit already boasts the likes of Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Rahul Tewatia, Jalaj Saxena, Mayank Markande, J Suchith and Sandeep Lamichhane. Delhi will be the fourth IPL team for Ashwin who has also played for Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant and Kings XI. So far, he has taken 125 wickets in 139 IPL matches at an economy rate of 6.79.

Big changes in Kings XI

In a desperate attempt to improve their fortunes, the Kings XI are set to make some big decisions. They have already sacked their entire coaching staff led by the New Zealander Mike Hesson. The franchise is also likely to name KL Rahul as their new captain. Kings XI Punjab are one of the only three teams in the IPL who are yet to win the trophy. Their best run came in 2014 when they made it to the final.

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