Indian premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has finally joined Delhi Capitals (DC) as he was traded for left-armer Jagadeesha Suchith, who took the senior player’s place in Kings XI Punjab.
According to media reports, Ashwin is expected to be paid Rs 7.6 crore, his auction value, by the Delhi Capitals. KXIP had also asked for Trent Boult as part of the deal but it did not materialize in the end.
The only page you've waited to hear this from 😉
🚨 Welcome to #DelhiCapitals, @ashwinravi99 🚨
We can't wait to watch the Spin King 👑 in #DC colours!#WelcomeAshwin #ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/Sg0RcLv0eX
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) November 8, 2019
“Everyone is happy with this deal. We are happy, Ashwin is happy and Delhi is happy. We were in talks with three teams but have finally come to this conclusion. We wish Ashwin the very best. It was a pleasure working with Ashwin. We enjoyed our time with him and I wish him all the best,” KXIP co-owner, Ness Wadia, was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
Meanwhile, the Head coach of Delhi Capitals, Ricky Ponting, on Friday said that Ashwin adds great value to any team he is a part of.
“Ashwin adds a lot of value to any team that he is a part of, and I am sure it is going to be no different when he joins Delhi Capitals. It is no secret that the pitch on our home ground is on the slower side, and is known to assist spinners. I believe, Ashwin, with his clever bowling, will have a tremendous impact when he bowls on it,” Ponting said in an official statement.
Ashwin has been a part of Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants and Kings XI Punjab so far in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has won two titles with CSK while he captained KXIP for two seasons.
“I would like to wish Suchith all the very best, and I am sure he will excel in his new team. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Ravichandran Ashwin to the Delhi Capitals family,” Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal said.
“He is easily one of the best and most experienced spinners around, with a tremendous record in India and IPL colors. There is no doubt in my mind that Ashwin’s presence will benefit our team tremendously, as we eye the big prize – the IPL title,” he further added.
Welcome to @DelhiCapitals @ashwinravi99 – it’s an honor and a privilege for us to have you in our side. Thank you for choosing DC. Can’t wait to see your magic at the Kotla. Time to bring the capital city the IPL title.
— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) November 8, 2019
The transfer window for the IPL 2020 closes on November 14, and more announcements of the trade-offs are likely to be made before that.