IPL 2018: 5 key Indian players for Kings XI Punjab

#5 Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin will lead the KXIP

Ravichandran Ashwin is another player who is a constant in India's Test squad. However, the off-spinner has been constantly overlooked by the selectors for selection in India's limited overs team.

He struggled to pick wickets consistently on tracks that offered very little assistance and his economy rate also suffered. This forced the selectors to give wrist-spinners the nod in limited overs cricket.

Ashwin was not retained by CSK for IPL 2018, a decision that raised many eyebrows. However, he was picked up by the KXIP in the player auction.

He will also have an added responsibility of captaining the franchise and it would be very interesting to see him as a Captain. Thus, he is very crucial for the KXIP this year and the management will be hoping that he leads the franchise to their first IPL triumph.

He still has a lot to offer in limited overs cricket and he would be looking to prove a point in this years IPL. We might also get to see Ashwin-the leg-spinner at IPL 2018.

Ashwin has an excellent economy rate of 6.55 runs per over in the IPL. He has played 111 matches in the IPL so far and has picked up 100 wickets in the process.