IPL 2020: 3 players who can replace Ravichandran Ashwin as KXIP captain

Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to don the Delhi Capitals' jersey in IPL 2020 after he was traded from Kings XI Punjab to the Delhi-based franchise. Kings XI co-owner Ness Wadia confirmed the news regarding the trade-off between the two franchises involving Ashwin and the other two DC players who will travel to Kings XI for the next season.

It was after a long period that the speculation has been put to rest regarding Ashwin's transfer to Delhi. Earlier, it was assumed that the Kings XI skipper was all set to be traded to Delhi, however, Ness Wadia quashed all such claims after Anil Kumble was announced as Kings' next head coach. But finally, both the franchise reached an understanding as the Kings amicably parted ways with their former skipper.

Ashwin, who led Punjab in the last two seasons, saw a mixed bag ride in both the seasons. Despite starting on a positive note, his team failed to capitalize on the start as their campaign derailed on both occasions and the team failed to finish in the last four.

With Ashwin all set to don the Delhi colors, Kings XI will have a task in hand to nominate their a skipper for the 13th edition of the league. Captaincy has been an issue for the Kings all these years at the IPL as they once again look for a player to lead their franchise.

With a couple of experienced guys already in the team, the Punjab-based franchise might trust their skills or can even rope in an outsider to martial the troops in the upcoming season.

Here, we take a look at three players who can replace Ashwin as KXIP skipper in IPL 2020.

#3 Eoin Morgan

Morgan was asscoiated with Kings XI in 2017

One of the most highly-rated captians in the modern world, Eoin Morgan, is hugely appreciated for his stint as the skipper of England in the shorter versions of the game. The left-handed middle-order batsman has not only played his role with the bat but has also been instrumental in creating history with a World Cup win.

After missing the IPL in past two years, Morgan could once again induce interest among the various franchises after his successful year in international cricket for England. Kings XI Punjab might eye the English skipper, not only as an explosive middle-order batsman but also as a potential leader for their franchise in the upcoming edition.

Morgan has proven his skills as a leader by changing the fortunes of England cricket from the debacle of 2015 to lead them to victory in 2019. Though leading a franchise in the world's most followed T-20 league might be a different ball game, the calm head on his shoulders will always enhance his chances to succeed.

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#2 Aaron Finch

Finch's experience might help Punjab in this moment of crisis

The swashbuckling Aussie opener was one of the major players to miss IPL 2019. Due to his international commitments, Aaron Finch, pulled out his name from the auction in 2019.

Before last season, Finch was a member of the Kings XI set up after he was bought for INR 6.2 crores in the IPL auction in 2018. However, the 32-year old had a torrid time with the bat as he registered only 134 runs in 10 games at a below-par average of 16.75 with a personal best of 46 in the entire season.

In recent times, Finch can once again be seen at the top of his game for Australia in T20Is, Being the captain, he has led from the front with his attacking and instinctive batting approach. If Kings XI opts to bid for the opener, he might well don the skipper's hat for the franchise in the next season.

His records in the past year or so as the Australian skipper speaks for itself. He has the experience and can be the right guy to turn KXIP's fortunes in the 13th season.

#1 KL Rahul

KL Rahul might be one of the front-runners for the illustrious role.

The lone shining star for Kings XI Punjab in their last two campaigns in the IPL, KL Rahul has been scoring runs consistently for the franchise. The highest run-getter for the team in both the seasons, Rahul will definitely present a case for him to be declared the next captain as Ashwin leaves the franchise.

Rahul may not have the experience behind him to captain at the IPL level, but the gained confidence from scoring runs in the last two seasons might do a world of good if he's given the added responsibility.

He also has the added advantage of knowing the players inside out. He has featured in nearly all matches since 2018, which puts him in good stead to realize the potential of almost every individual in the team. This gives him a far greater idea than any other player to tackle and understand his players even as the leader of the group.

Kings XI might take the risk by naming KL as their next skipper, given what he has done for the franchise in the past two years.