XtraTime Web Desk: IPL’s second highest wicket-taker, Delhi Capitals’ experienced leg-spinner Amit Mishra made his first appearance of the season on Friday against Chennai, and produced a wily performance to put his team into a commanding position with economical figures of 0-23 off his four overs.
The crafty spinner spoke to the media over a virtual press conference on Monday ahead of his team’s third match of Indian Premier League 2020 to be held on Tuesday against Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are winless after their first two encounters.
Asked whether SRH losing their first two matches gives an edge to his team, Mishra answered in the affirmative. He said, “Having lost the first two matches, there is always pressure on the team. However, it is just the start of the tournament so it won’t be that much. But we don’t talk about such things in our dressing room – we focus on ourselves. We have a good rhythm to our game and are high on confidence. It doesn’t mean we are complacent. We are fully focused on our planning and giving our best tomorrow on the field. Certainly won’t be taking them lightly.”
Amid talks of Kane Williamson returning to the line-up for the opponents on Tuesday, Mishra said his team will be prepared to tackle that challenge as well. “There is always planning involved for the whole team. Like I said, we don’t take anyone lightly – we have our plans in place for bowlers and batsmen – and it will be similar for him (Williamson) as well,” expressed the 37-year-old.
Commenting on Head Coach Ricky Ponting’s man-management qualities and what has impressed him the most, the spin veteran said, “I think the fact that he’s played so much cricket at the top level means he knows about the mentality of each individual. He knows how to talk to people and what to say at what moment. He ends up boosting the confidence of all the players and is always positive only.”
“He also ensures that the team environment is such that even a younger player feels comfortable and can open up easily. He (Ponting) himself is quite a jolly character and makes sure to talk to people individually as well. I have also had the opportunity to speak to him about these skills and understand how he handles different situations,” added the leg-spinner, who has 157 IPL wickets in 148 matches.
Mishra was also asked to comment on Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, to which he said, “I find him to be a very positive character. The best thing for me is that fact that he gives freedom to his bowlers to choose their fields and set up their plans. He backs you all the time, and I’m sure he will keep on growing as a captain.”