Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Shreyas Iyer emphasized the importance of experienced cricketers, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane, to his team ahead of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE, starting September 19. 

The Capitals traded in both Ashwin and Rahane last year before the auction in December. While Ashwin, inarguably one of the finest off-spinners to play for India and in the IPL, came on board after leading Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Rahane, Indian Test vice-captain, was the skipper for Rajasthan Royals (RR) and their batting mainstay until last year. 

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Iyer, still a young captain, thinks both players will be his leaning pillars for greater understanding of situations on and off the field during the IPL 2020. 

“Ashwin and Rahane are both individuals who are highly knowledgeable as players and have captained IPL teams before," said Iyer, under whom Delhi reached the play-offs last summer after seven unsuccessful attempts, in a video posted over the IPL website. 

"So for me, this is an opportunity to use as a captain. I can reach out to them when I want to, and share and discuss with them."

Iyer also talked about the influence former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has had as head coach and thanked the man for all his help. 

“I feel blessed to be working with someone as Ricky Ponting’s stature so closely. He is such a legend and makes everyone from the most senior one to the newest guy feel at home and as a part of the unit,” he said. 

“As a captain, he gives me freedom and that has helped me grow as a captain," Iyer added.