Ashwin reacts to leaving KXIP, says 'looking ahead to new challenges'

Former Kings XI Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin thanked the team and the fans for the wonderful journey that he had with the Kings both as a player and their skipper. Ravichandran Ashwin was traded to Delhi Capitals after the ace spinner and his former franchise settled amicably to release Ashwin. Ashwin on Friday joined the Delhi Capitals IPL franchise, traded for left-arm Jagadeesha Suchith, who took the senior player's place in Kings XI Punjab. PTI had earlier reported that Delhi Capitals offered KXIP Suchith and an additional sum of Rs 1.5 crore as part of the exchange. Ashwin, 33, will get Rs 7.6 crore, his value from the IPL 2018 auction. Ashwin has played 68 Tests and 111 ODIs for India, in which he has taken 357 and 150 wickets respectively. The 33-year-old spinner has been among the top performers in the IPL since making his debut in 2009, having snared 125 wickets from 139 games at an excellent economy rate of 6.79. He was an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings side that won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011.

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Ashwin thanks teammates, fans

“It has been a wonderful journey with Kings XI Punjab. I will always look back fondly at the two years I spent with the Kings and will miss all my teammates. I am looking ahead to new challenges. I would also like to thank the fans for their endless support over the two years, it was incredible to see them come out and support their team,” he said according to the team's official website.

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Ashwin joins Delhi Capitals

"He's easily one of the best and most experienced spinners around, with a tremendous record in India and IPL colours. There's no doubt in my mind that Ashwin's presence will benefit our team tremendously, as we eye the big prize the IPL title," said Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal.

"Ashwin adds a lot of value to any team that he's a part of, and I'm sure it's going to be no different when he joins Delhi Capitals," said Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting on Ashwin joining his team.

"It is no secret that the pitch on our home ground is on the slower side, and is known to assist spinners. I believe, Ashwin, with his clever bowling, will have a tremendous impact when he bowls on it," he added.

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