Dubai: Delhi Capitals spinner Amit Mishra is one of the top-performing players in IPL history. He has a record of 157 wickets in 147 Indian Premier League (IPL) games. This year will be a chance for him of overtaking bowler Lasith Malinga to become the highest wicket-taker. Mishra’s consistent performances over the years have seen him become the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history.
Delhi Capitals named Anrich Nortje as a replacement for England all-rounder Chris Woakes. Delhi and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will face off each other in their first match on September 20 in Dubai.
The 37-year-old said about the team environment, their preparations, and what he thinks of the pitches in the UAE. “The best thing is that all the players are enjoying each other’s company. Everyone is really keen and excited to play in this season of the IPL. With just one week to go now, everyone has been putting in a great effort in preparing for the tournament under such difficult circumstances,” said the experienced leg-spinner.
“I’m really happy that everyone has been really cautious in their approach and have made sure that all protocols are being followed and have been within the bio-bubble, and the fact that no one from the bio-bubble has been affected by COVID-19, is proof of how well everyone has followed the rules,” Mishra added.
“The feeling within our group is really good, and there is a positive vibe. We have been able to gel really well even with the newer faces in our side. It is like a family and everyone has been taking care of each other on the field and correcting mistakes if there are any,” he further added.
If we had a penny for every time @MishiAmit beat the bat… 😉#Dream11IPL #YehHaiNayiDilli @SevensStadium pic.twitter.com/oLM8ULVwlJ
— Delhi Capitals (Tweeting from 🇦🇪) (@DelhiCapitals) September 16, 2020
Expressing about the pitch and weather conditions will favour the spinners, Mishra said only time will tell. “The conditions so far have been neutral – I can’t say if they favor the batsmen or the bowlers more. When we start playing, then we will have a clearer picture and can say whether it is helping the batsmen or the bowlers more,” said the veteran spinner who is currently 13 wickets behind Malinga.
Speaking about his team’s preparations, Mishra said, “everyone is focused on their individual roles and understand exactly what they have to do during the matches.”
With Delhi Capitals having had an excellent last season, Mishra believes his side will again be ‘putting in all the effort to win matches.’ “We are really positive, but in T20 cricket, you know it is hard to promise a win, because all teams are so competitive and have quality players in their ranks. We also have a lot of match-winners in our team, and we will do our preparations according to each team. We cannot underestimate any team, and need to treat everyone equally,” he said.
However, Mumbai Indians will be missing the services of Malinga this year and have announced Australian pacer James Pattinson as a replacement. The veteran Sri Lankan speedster will miss the league due to personal reasons.
