IPL 2020: With injured R Ashwin uncertain in Friday’s match against Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals assistant coach Mohammed Kaif, on Thursday, indicated that they could play leg spinner, Amit Mishra.

Ahead of the clash against MS Dhoni and co. the veteran spinner exclusively spoke to ABP LIVE from Dubai. Standing in front of a unique record of grabbing 100 wickets for a single franchise, Mishra, the only bowler in the history of IPL, speaks about coach Ricky Ponting, his own milestones, etc.

Ami Mishra has a  brilliant record of having  157 wickets in his kitty in IPL, the second-highest in the wicket taker’s tally, and has 3 hat tricks in IPL, which is an amazing feat. When asked about his record and whether he believes in the sentence that “T20 cricket is batsman’s game”? the spinner said," Well, the scores in T20s are always very high, but then it’s up to the bowlers to defend the total. The time is limited, and the overs are few. A bowler can have only 4 overs to showcase his skill, which is what makes it difficult.

Amit Mishra has been the part of Indian Premier League from the very first season, when asked about his key to success for such a long stint in IPL, Mishra said," As a bowler, you have to keep trying new things as modern-day cricket is constantly evolving. Batsmen are coming up with more and more innovative shots, and the bowlers need to come up with new variations to stop them. That’s something I have focussed on and will continue to do so.

There have been various concerns from a bowler's point of view after being out of action for more than 6 months. Players like Mohammed Shami had expressed concern about losing rhythm. When asked about whether he has similar feelings, Amit Mishra said, "It takes time to get the rhythm back no doubt, but we have been here for almost a month now. We played a couple of practice games as well leading up to the tournament. So it
has helped everyone get back into the groove gradually."

While discussing his best feat in IPL which is 97 wickets for the Delhi team, Amit Mishra said that getting closer to 100 wickets keeps him motivated as it gives him a lot of confidence. The spinner said, "I don’t look at the numbers or milestones so much. I am also grateful to the franchise for showing the faith in me for so many years, and I feel happy that I have been able to contribute."

Veteran leg spinner Amit Mishra is 37 now, when asked about what keeps him going, the spinners said, "Well, the joy out of competing, and also contributing to a victory – whichever is the team I am playing for, that’s what keeps me going."
It has been a 3 and a half years since Amit Mishra played an international match, when asked about if he feels his talent was underutilized by the Indian team the spinner said," Whether it’s playing for India or a domestic side, I have always given my best. I continue to keep myself fit, and if ever there is a requirement on the national side, I
will always be available."

ABP Live asked Amit Mishra about which team he thinks has the highest stakes to win the IPL trophy, the spinner said," Well, it’s difficult to pick one side because a lot of the teams have made a few changes and are more balanced. Also, the fact that there is no home advantage means it’s very neutral to start with.

Ricky Ponting is the coach for Delhi Capitals, when asked about his experience with the former Australian cricketer, Amit Mishra said," Ponting, who is known for being very aggressive during his cricketing days. Ricky is a very democratic coach and pays as much focus on newcomers as he does on the seniors and that plays a huge role in keeping the team united. He brings a certain kind of energy, and always talks about winning. It puts in a really positive vibe.

One of the squads which have never won the IPL trophy is the Delhi Capitals, speaking about the pressure in the team to win the championship, Amit Mishra said, " I think the performance of 2019 gives everyone a lot of hope and belief in the Delhi Capitals side. We are aware of it, but the idea is to take one match at a time. The IPL is a long tournament and there are always ups and downs, so it would be wrong to think of the end result right away."

Delhi Capitals won in the super over against Kings XI Punjab in their first match in IPL 2020. DC will take on Dhoni's CSK tomorrow who lost against Rajasthan Royals in the last match.