Veteran Indian spinner Amit Mishra has been a consistent performer for the Delhi Capitals (DC) over the years in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and he will have the best chance to overtake Lasith Malinga as the highest wicket-taker in the IPL history this season in the UAE.
Mishra is only 13 wickets behind Malinga with 157 wickets in 147 IPL games in the list of highest wicket-takers in IPL and he would certainly eager to achieve the milestone in the IPL 2020, but the conditions would be different this season in the UAE.
IPL 2020 moved out of India due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be held in three venues across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah in the UAE – where the pitches are on the slower side and generally assists the spinners more as the game progresses, but Mishra said it would be early to make a prediction about it.
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The 36-year-old spinner said the UAE pitches have been neutral so far, therefore, he can’t say whether the pitches favor the batsmen or the bowlers more, but said the teams will get a clearer picture only after the IPL 13 starts on 19th September in the UAE.
On DC’s preparations for the IPL 2020, he said: “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.”
Mishra also commented on DC’s much talked about team spirit, the experienced spinner said: “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.”
He signed off by saying, “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.”
Noteworthy, DC will take on Kings XI Punjab in their IPL 13 opening game on September 20.
(With PTI Inputs)
