IPL: R Ashwin set for Delhi Capitals move despite KXIP denial

Indian Premier League franchise Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) are set to part ways with their IPL 2019 skipper Ravichandran Ashwin. According to a report in a leading Indian media daily, it is the JSW Sport-owned Delhi Capitals that are set to make an official announcement of hiring Ashwin's services for the IPL 2020 season. Even as rumours about the development had been floating around for some time, but they were recently shut down by KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia. It is believed that Ashwin has been traded to the Delhi Capitals in exchange for New Zealand pacer Trent Boult, Indian spinner Jagadeesha Suchith, and a sum of Rs. 1.5 crore.

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A twist in the tale

Ashwin was bought by KXIP in the 2018 mega-auction for a sum of Rs. 7.6 crore and was handed over the captaincy of the team. Punjab, which went through a major overhaul, includes stars like KL Rahul, Chris Gayle and Andrew Tye, who kept the team at the top of the table in the first half of the 2018 season, only to end the season at the second-last position. A similar story unfolded in the 2019 season where Punjab played some great cricket but ended up sixth in the league stage, failing to qualify once again. A lot of speculation arose over Ashwin's future as KXIP captain.

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During September and October, rumours started floating around about Ashwin's departure to Delhi in a trade deal. Nothing came of it and KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia eventually spoke to a media outlet about the management re-thinking their Ashwin move and deciding to back him up. KXIP's new coach Anil Kumble, when asked about Ashwin's move, added that he had not participated in the talks since it had been only a few days since he had joined the team. 

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A deal finally goes through

Indian media reports had previously claimed that Ashwin was keen to make a move to the Delhi franchise as he felt that the Delhi pitch would suit him better, helping him make a comeback into the limited-overs Indian squads. Ravichandran Ashwin will now don the blue-and-red Capitals jersey while New Zealand pacer Trent Boult and Jagadeesha Sucith will sport the KXIP's red jersey. Ashwin will continue earning his Rs. 7.6 crore fee from the Capitals. The Capitals will also be paying KXIP a sum of Rs. 1.5 crore along with the two players who are being traded. In the two seasons that Ashwin captained the Mohali side, they only won 12 games out of the 28 that they played. The wily Indian off-spinner picked up 25 wickets during his stint at Punjab.

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