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

#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.

Ness Wadia (centre).

Also see – World Test Championship points table