Ravi Ashwin is very calm and that comes with playing under MS Dhoni, says Aaron Finch

After two consecutive losses, the Kings XI Punjab got back to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over bottom-placed Rajasthan Royals last night. The Ashwin-led team blazed to a 6 wicket victory, and they did so in style making a leap from the fifth spot to the third position in the points table.

Following the win, big-hitting batsman Aaron Finch lauded skipper Ravichandran Ashwin’s captaincy and even likened his calm and collective approach to that of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni. The Aussie opined that Ashwin must have developed the ability to remain calm during his time under Dhoni at CSK.

The 31-year-old off-spinner was previously an integral member of the Chennai-based franchise, during his stint with the southpaws. However, Ravi Ashwin was not retained by Stephen Fleming‘s men for the ongoing season. KXIP snapped up the top-ranked Test bowler for Rs 7.6 crore during January’s auction.

Lauding the new skipper, Finch was quoted as saying by Cricketnext, “I think Ashwin has been outstanding. He is very calm and that comes with playing under MS Dhoni. MSD is a cool guy and Ashwin has also been calm and made some great decisions.”

The Australian batsman added, “While he hasn’t had a lot of experience of leading the side in the past, he has been a successful cricketer and has brought that to the table as a leader. He brings the group together and speaks to individuals before the game.”

Ashwin has repaid the trust the KXIP management showed in him

Ravi Ashwin was tasked with the responsibility of leading an IPL side for the first time in his career ahead of the ongoing season. Mentor Virender Sehwag had revealed he wanted a bowling captain for KXIP and he could look no further than the 31-year-old.

The right-hander has undoubtedly repaid the trust the KXIP management showed in him and their standings serve as a testament to that. They are currently sitting pretty on the third spot with 12 points from nine games and also have a game in hand over Sunrisers Hyderabad and CSK, who are on the first and second spots respectively.