IPL 2018: 4 players who will make their captaincy debuts

IPL 2018, the two-month extravaganza, has already created a lot of buzz around itself and with the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, the build-up to the 11th edition of the tournament has been stupendous and intriguing. This year, IPL witnessed a mega-auction, where each team was allowed only three retentions and two RTMs. Such were the dynamics of the auction that teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab had to let go of their captains and build a team with some new and exciting faces.

With Steve Smith and David Warner not allowed to play due to their involvement in the ball-tampering saga, this year's edition will witness as many as four players making their IPL captaincy debut. With less than a week to go for this fascinating league to commence, let us have a look at those four players and what they will bring to the table as captains.

#4 Kane Williamson

The only non-Indian captain in this year’s IPL, Kane Williamson will lead the 2016 IPL champions, Sunrisers Hyderabad. Williamson was not the first choice to be a captain but after the ban on David Warner, SRH management decided to go with the experienced Kiwi. Williamson has captained New Zealand in 24 T20I out of which they emerged triumphant on 15 occasions.

"I've accepted the role to stand in as captain for this season. It's an exciting opportunity with a talented group of players. I look forward to the challenges ahead," said Williamson on being appointed as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

It would be really interesting to see as to how Williamson will overcome the challenge of blending in with the rest of the group especially his young Indian fast bowlers, who will be playing a major role in Sunrisers’ success.

#3 Ajinkya Rahane

The vice-captain of Indian Test team, Ajinkya Rahane will be making his captaincy debut for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018. The classy batsman, who has been a part of Rajasthan set up since 2012, will be leading the side when they return to IPL after serving a two-year ban.

Rahane displayed his captaincy skills in the 4th Test match against Australia at Dharamshala when Virat Kohli was nursing a shoulder injury. He earned praises for his aggressive style of captaincy and excellent bowling changes.

"I am thankful to Rajasthan Royals, who have provided me with a platform and also the opportunity to lead the side. I remember Shane Watson had mentioned my name to Rahul Dravid. I am thankful to people like them and also the fine support staff, which the Royals have”, said Rahane on being appointed as the captain of Rajasthan Royals.

#2 Dinesh Karthik

Indian cricket's latest hero, Dinesh Karthik, the man who won the 2018 Nidahas Trophy single-handedly, has been given the opportunity to lead Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2018. As far as the captaincy experience goes, Karthik has captained Tamil Nadu to victory in 2009/10 Vijay Hazare Trophy and has also led India Red in a triumphant Duleep Trophy campaign. He also led Delhi Daredevils for 6 games in previous seasons.

"It is an honour to represent Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the most successful franchises in the IPL and I look forward to this new challenge. I am excited about the squad that has been assembled, which has a great combination of experience and youth", said Karthik on being appointed as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders.

The major challenge that Karthik has to overcome is to make a connection with the city of Kolkata as he is an outsider leading that side. The captaincy role will definitely help Karthik in evolving as a player and as a person.

#1 Ravichandran Ashwin

The most interesting and intriguing captaincy choice among all, Ravichandran Ashwin, the wily off-spinner, will be making his IPL captaincy debut with Kings XI Punjab. With one of the best cricketing brains and the ability to read and understand the game of cricket, Ashwin always had it in him to become a captain. Ashwin has had prior experience of leading his state Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy.

“Having played international cricket for close to 10 years, I don’t think I will have an issue (handling the senior players). I am also one of them. It is a strong squad and I feel all the big names you have mentioned will play an integral role,” said the 31-year-old on facing certain challenges as a captain.

It would be compelling to see how the calm and composed Ravi Ashwin gels with the dynamic and swashbuckling Virender Sehwag and how the duo work in tandem to produce the results for Kings XI Punjab.