Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was traded from the Kings XI Punjab to Delhi Capitals ahead of the Indian Premier League auction last year, has finally revealed the reason he shifted his base for.
The former captain of the Mohali-based franchise, Ashwin, said that he chose Delhi because he wanted to bolster their bowling attack and make them a superior force in the cash-rich tournament. Delhi had made it to the playoffs in the last season, while Punjab under Ashwin’s leadership failed to do so.
“I was coming to a franchise which had qualified for the playoffs last season and had some very exciting players including Rishabh (Pant) and Prithvi (Shaw). I thought I could use my experience for the franchise and improve the team further,” Ashwin said during a Live session on Delhi Capitals’ official Instagram handle.
“If I could help in strengthening the bowling, we could be the front runners for the title, I came with that intention,” the 33-year-old added.
Ashwin has played 68 Tests and 111 ODIs for India, in which he has taken 357 and 150 wickets respectively. In the IPL, he has represented Chennai Super Kings, with whom he won titles (in 2010 and 2011), Rising Pune Supergiants, and Kings XI Punjab, whom he captained as well.
The IPL 2020, which was scheduled to be played from March 29 was earlier postponed to April 15 before it was suspended due to the crisis caused by the novel coronavirus till further notice.
Meanwhile, according to a report by news agency IANS, the Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly contemplating to host the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) from September 25 to November 1, considering that the COVID-19 situation will get better and the ICC T20 World Cup will be postponed.