IPL 2018: Ravichandran Ashwin named captain of Kings XI Punjab, preferred over Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle

Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named captain of the Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kings XI Punjab, which also has Yuvraj Singh and Chris Gayle in their ranks. [caption id=“attachment_4360357” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Ravichandran Ashwin. Reuters[/caption] Ashwin has two IPL titles during his eight-year stint with Chennai Super Kings and has also played for Rising Pune Supergiant. “I feel honoured to be trusted with the responsibility of leading such a talented bunch of cricketers. I am confident of bringing out the best out of teammates. This is indeed a proud moment for me,” said Ashwin, who is currently out-of-favour in India’s One-Day Internationals and Twenty20 (T20) scheme of things. The off-spinner said captaincy pressure won’t affect his performance. “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, a veteran of 311 Test wickets, added. Kings XI Punjab took to Twitter to make the announcement.

We have a new #KingOfTheNorth! Sheron, give a big welcome to the Protector of the Realm! Our new captain, @ashwinravi99! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi pic.twitter.com/pKyHeTvCls

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 26, 2018

Ashwin played his last T20 for India seven months back in July, 2017 against the West Indies and last ODI against the same opponents last June.