R Ashwin is in danger of losing his Captaincy at Kings XI Punjab and in fact, they are also in negotiations with other franchises to trade him, a report in Mumbai Mirror suggests. Ashwin was picked by Kings XI Punjab before IPL 2018 for a price of Rs 7.6 Crore. Surprisingly, he was also named as the captain of the side.
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Under him, KXIP made a remarkable start to IPL 2018 but had a poor run in the second half of the tournament, which saw them miss out on a place in the playoffs. In IPL 2019, Kings XI Punjab finished at sixth place in the points table.
At first, the coaching staff of Kings XI Punjab parted ways with them and now, the franchise is also looking for a new captain. Youngster KL Rahul, who was bought by the franchise for Rs 11 Crore, is a clear favourite for the job.
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Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals are the two franchises with whom Kings XI Punjab are in talks with. Delhi have a number of spinners and the addition of Ashwin will bolster their spin attack. Incidentally, the right-arm off-spinner had made his Test debut in Delhi and scalped nine wickets.
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But should he be traded to Rajasthan Royals, Krishnappa Gowtham will moe to KXIP, the report adds. Rajasthan had spent Rs 6.2 Crores for Gowtham but looks like they are looking for more experienced candidate. At Delhi, Ashwin will play under Shreyas Iyer while if he moves to Rajasthan, Steve Smith will be his captain.
Ashwin was to play under Smth at Rising Pune Supergiant in IPL 2017 but was ruled out of the tournament.
In another update, Delhi Capitals are also in talks with Rajasthan Royals to get Ajinkya Rahane. Nothing has been confirmed but an announcement regarding it is expected to be made soon.
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Delhi have already roped in Mayank Markande from Mumbai Indians, trading Sherfane Rutherford to the four-time champions. The official announcement regarding Ashwin is also expected to be done soon.