Ashwin to captain KXIP in IPL 2018

R Ashwin has not captained an IPL team before © Getty

Ravichandran Ashwin will captain Kings XI Punjab in the eleventh season of the Indian Premier League, the franchise announced on Monday (February 26). The 31-year-old off-spinner was picked up for INR 7.60 crores in the 2018 auction and had emerged as a leading candidate for captaincy despite never having led in the IPL before.

Ashwin takes over the reins of the side from Glenn Maxwell, who was signed on by Delhi Daredevils at the auction. The Tamil Nadu spinner said he was looking forward to the challenge and tapping into the experiences of having captained his state side in the domestic tournaments.

"There is no additional pressure on me as such. I first led my state side in first class cricket when I was 21. I have done it in the past and I am sure that I will enjoy the challenge," Ashwin said.

"I feel honoured to be trusted with the responsibility of leading such a talented bunch of cricketers," Ashwin told the team website. "I am confident of bringing out the best out of team mates. This is indeed a proud moment for me."

Ashwin has played more than 100 games in the IPL, playing his first seven seasons for Chennai Super Kings and one for Rising Pune Supergiants. He missed the last season with injury.

Having made his debut in the 2009 season, Ashwin went on to become a crucial part of the CSK team, helping them win back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011 and reach the final on three other occasions. He has a total of 100 wickets in 111 games, at an average of 25 and an economy of 6.55.

KXIP will hope the off-spinner can inspire them to their first ever IPL title.