Ashwin to captain Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2018

Ravichandran Ashwin will hope to guide his team to their first ever IPL success this year after being appointed skipper for the upcoming tournament, which is due to begin on April 7

Ravichandran Ashwin says he feels "honoured" to have been handed the Kings XI Punjab captaincy for the 2018 Indian Premier League.

Ashwin will hope to guide his team to their first ever IPL success this year after being appointed skipper for the upcoming tournament, which is due to begin on April 7.

The allrounder is not an experienced captain, having never led a side in the IPL, but he has taken on the role for his state, Tamil Nadu, in domestic competitions. And he has twice won the IPL title earlier in his career.

"I feel honoured to be trusted with the responsibility of leading such a talented bunch of cricketers," Ashwin told the franchise's official website.

RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN - IPL CAREER STATS

Batting: 37 innings, 231 runs, s/r 96.25, ave 10.50

Bowling: 100 wickets, eco 6.54, ave 24.98

"I am confident of bringing out the best out of team mates. This is indeed a proud moment for me."

The 31-year-old did not play in the 2017 IPL as he recovered from a hernia and was recruited by Kings XI in this January's auction, having previously represented Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiant.

He says his relative lack of captaincy experience will not hamper the Kings XI cause this season.

"There is no additional pressure on me as such. I first led my state side in first class cricket when I was 21," he said.

"I have done it in the past and I am sure that I will enjoy the challenge."

We have a new #KingOfTheNorth! Sheron, give a big welcome to the Protector of the Realm! Our new captain, @ashwinravi99! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi pic.twitter.com/pKyHeTvCls

— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) February 26, 2018