IPL 2020 News: KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia discloses why Ravi Ashwin has been retained

IPL 2020 News: The owner of Kings XI Punjab opened up on why the deal between them and Delhi Capitals didn’t see the daylight.

Indian Premier League franchise Kings XI Punjab had recently appointed former India captain Anil Kumble as their head coach for IPL 2020. Since the start of IPL 2016, Kings XI have had a different coach for every season of the tournament.

With the legendary spinner at the helm, Punjab would be expecting him to guide the team to its maiden IPL title. Other then Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals, Kings XI remain the only franchise to have not won a title despite playing the tournament since its inaugural season.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia admitted being fortunate for roping in Kumble for the next season. “Anil [Kumble] is really a breath of fresh air. He is so cool, calm and collected. We are fortunate to have a relationship with him. Likewise, he sees it as an opportunity to take KXIP into something which it has the potential to be.

“He will bring a lot of calmness to the team and discipline most definitely. He will inspire players to really optimise their own talent without trying too hard. His rich coaching experience will help us tremendously,” Wadia was quoted as saying.

IPL 2020 News

More than a month ago, there were reports of Delhi Capitals expressing interest in KXIP captain Ravichandran Ashwin for IPL 2020. The trade-off was close to being official announced but didn’t see the daylight. Wadia also disclosed why the management decided to not let Ashwin play for the Capitals.

“The [KXIP)] Board had a rethink and it realised that [Ravichandran] Ashwin is an integral part of the team. There were discussions with Delhi Capitals but those discussions never came to fruition. The way he plays his cricket and his performances speak for him,” Wadia said.