Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) retained just one player for the IPL 2018 during the pre-auction retention and that player was left arm spinner Akshar Patel.

KXIP went on to buy many big name players in Andrew Tye, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Yuvraj Singh, Aaron Finch and R Ashwin. There was much speculation as to who will captain the KXIP squad in the IPL 2018.

Recently, KXIP mentor Virender Sehwag took to Facebook Live and announced that off spinner R Ashwin will be captaining the franchise in IPL 2018. KXIP.in interviewed Akshar Patel and asked him about the upcoming season of IPL 11.

“I know Ashwin since I made my debut for India. I think this familiarity I have with him is a huge advantage,” said Akshar while speaking exclusively to kxip.in.

Akshar said that he was excited to partner up with R Ashwin for KXIP.

 “I know that Ashwin is an attacking bowler,” Akshar pointed out. “His role is to pick wickets, and my role is generally to contain the flow of runs and build pressure from one end. So, it will make for a good partnership. We have done that for India too in the past, and will look to continue the same for KXIP in the coming season.”

Putting forth his views on Ashwin being made KXIP captain for IPL 11, Akshar said, “Ashwin is really experienced and I am glad that he has now become the captain. I think if a bowler is the captain it is a much better option because a bowler knows what the batsman is thinking and can make changes according to the situation the game is in.”