Australian speedster congratulates Ravi Ashwin on being named KXIP skipper

Earlier today, it was revealed that Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will lead the Kings XI Punjab franchise in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. The announcement was made public by Virender Sehwag during an interactive live session on Facebook.

The team management had initially considered Yuvraj Singh’s name but finalised on Ashwin. Earlier, reports had surfaced of Ashwin leading the side, but a final confirmation was made from the side’s mentor, Virender Sehwag, who was in Switzerland, playing the St Moritz Ice Cricket League.

The 31-year-old was purchased for Rs. 7.6 crore by the Punjab franchise during the player auction held in January. Ashwin, who since his foray in the league donned the yellow outfit of Chennai Super Kings, won’t be wearing the same in the IPL 2018. The veteran offie was with the southpaws till 2015, before the franchise got served with a 2-year ban.

In the two years that Chennai was not part of the IPL, owing to their suspension after the betting scandal, Ashwin plied his trade for the Rising Pune Supergiant, one of the two interim franchises during the IPL 2016 and 2017.

After being named the skipper, fellow teammate and Australian seamer Andrew Tye heaped praises on Ravichandran Ashwin. Tye, who was bought for a hefty price tag of INR 7.20 Crore, feels the Indian is the best man for the role.

The 31-year-old Western Australian, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise took to his Twitter handle and wrote, “Couldn’t think of a better person for the job of @lionsdenkxip captain, congrats @ashwinravi99! Can’t wait to get over there and get stuck in.”

You can see the Tweet below

Punjab will have two home venues for IPL 2018

Indore will continue to be Punjab’s second home after Mohali. The venue had hosted the first three games of Punjab’s campaign last season. And in the upcoming edition as well, the Ashwin-led side will play their opening three games at Indore.