IPL 2020: R Ashwin all set to join Delhi Capitals

India’s premier off-spinner and Kings XI Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin is likely to join Delhi Capitals for the upcoming IPL 2020 season. The move is focussed on R Ashwin getting higher purchase on spin-friendly Delhi tracks.

Ashwin, who had led KXIP for two IPL seasons without much success, was expected to join Delhi Capitals earlier but once head coach Anil Kumble was appointed, it was learnt that KXIP weren’t letting Ashwin go. KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia had also refuted the rumours. However, the latest reports suggest that the deal is all set to go through.

“Yes, R Ashwin is joining Delhi Capitals. The deal had earlier fell through as KXIP didn’t get the two DC players that they wanted in a trade-off with Ashwin. Now they are getting those two players and it’s 99 percent done,” a senior BCCI official told PTI anonymously.

Both the franchises who have never won the IPL were in negotiation for a long time but now it seems that KXIP management has changed their mind. According to Mumbai Mirror, Punjab franchise shall acquire New Zealand’s star bowler Trent Boult and Karnataka’s all-rounder Jagadeesha Suchith in return of Ashwin.

DC had brought Boult in 2018 for a whopping amount of INR 2.2 crores. The New Zealand pacer ended his opening season as his team’s leading wicket-taker, picking up 18 wickets from 14 matches. However, he did not make regular appearances last season with South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada returning from injury. J Suchith was signed by Delhi mid-season as a replacement for Harshal Patel. He featured in only one IPL game where he took a couple of wickets. With Ashwin absent, KXIP will also have to look for a new captain, KL Rahul is a likely candidate.

Mayank’s double ton ?
Ashwin’s 5-wicket haul ?
Shami’s 5-wicket haul ?

All of our Shers played a vital role in helping #TeamIndia take a 1-0 lead. Which one was your favourite??#SaddaPunjab #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/igTl5e1Xpi

— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) October 6, 2019