IPL: Top 4 players who could replace R Ashwin as KXIP captain

Indian Premier League franchise Kings XI Punjab have taken a U-turn and have traded off their captain Ravichandran Ashwin to the Delhi Capitals, according to a leading Indian media publication on Wednesday. Ashwin, a core member of the KXIP outfit for the past two seasons, took 25 wickets in his time at Mohali. With Ashwin gone, the Kings XI will need to find a new skipper for their 2020 campaign and here are three of their squad members who can fill his shoes.

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KL Rahul

The flamboyant opener is one of the favourites for the top job. Rahul, in his two seasons with the team, has scored 1252 runs in the red jersey. Rahul has been an active member of the race for the Orange Cap in the past two seasons, only missing out by a narrow margin. A source close to the team reportedly revealed to a news outlet that Rahul is very likely to succeed Ashwin as he is well versed with the team's functioning.

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Moises Henriques

The Australian all-rounder could not find a place in the playing XI in the 2019 season because of an injury but if KXIP retain him for 2020, he could definitely make a fierce captain. Henriques is a valuable player and he has captaincy experience with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, whom he has captained since 2013. Since then, the team has been runners-up twice. Henriques has been a part of the IPL since 2009, so he will have experience of how the tournament works.

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Chris Gayle

The 'Universe Boss' Christopher Henry Gayle is a very lucrative captaincy choice for the Mohali-based franchise. The vice-captain for the Windies in the 2019 World Cup has played T20 cricket around the world. His experience and aggressive approach may prove beneficial to the Kings XI. He may have not been associated with the role of captaincy but his vast knowledge of T20 cricket may make him a good choice for the franchise's leadership. 

Aaron Finch

Now this possibility is highly speculative but Aaron Finch may very well become the next skipper of Kings XI Punjab. The Australian white-ball captain was picked by the Kings XI in 2018 and released before the 2019 season, owing to his absence because of the World Cup. It is possible that the Kings XI will take him back at the auction and make him the captain of the team. Finch has a lot of leadership experience with his side, Melbourne Renegades, even winning the last season of the Big Bash League.

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