In Ravichandran Ashwin and Amit Mishra, Delhi Capitals (DC) boast of two of the legendary spinners of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ashwin has taken 127 wickets and gone at an economy rate of 6.78 from 140 games in the league's history, while Mishra has bagged 157 scalps and conceded just 7.33 runs per over in 148 matches.
The two master tweakers, one renowned leg-spinner and the other the smartest off-spinner, having done their rounds with different teams in the IPL, now finally have their paths crossing each other.
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Mishra replaced Ashwin in the DC's second encounter of the season against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and came up with a very fine spell of 0/23 in his team's impressive win. That is after Ashwin's two wickets in one over, before he hurt his shoulder badly, had played a role in the narrow victory over Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
Mishra says he has really enjoyed working with Ashwin off the field and they together look to plot the oppositions' downfall while also helping the youngsters around them.
"We are both very positive and we love using our variations," Mishra told ANI. "At the nets also, we keep talking about the way we should experiment and which are the deliveries we should work on."
"When the youngsters are bowling with us or when they come to us, we both look to guide them. We always look at improving ourselves and what we can add to our kitty apart from the weapons we already have."
"Sometimes we also discuss opposition batsmen going into a game and how he needs to be worked out in the middle. We also keep explaining things to the youngsters so that they can learn quickly," he added.
Mishra also talked about the influence of young skipper Shreyas Iyer, who he says gives each bowler the freedom to do their thing, which ultimately helps the side.
"Shreyas is a quick learner and likes to listen. He discusses things before taking a call and I can say that his captaincy has improved further this year," said the 37-year-old.
"He likes to give the bowler freedom and that helps because that means he knows what your strength is and as a player, you feel good and go in with a lot of confidence. Staying positive is also a trait that will serve him well as he goes along," he added.
Apart from Iyer's unafraid leadership, DC have former Australia captain Ricky Ponting's experience as the head coach. Mishra said Ponting has been extremely crucial for the development of the side and ensuring everyone maintains a positive attitude and are willing to work hard for their success.
"He loves looking at the positive. He likes to move away from negative thoughts. Yes, if there is a certain area that needs addressing he will do that, but he likes to stay positive. Keeps motivating the players and treats everyone equally," he said.
"He knows who needs to be handled in which way and that is very important. Ponting knows when to tighten the rope and when to allow a little bit of freedom and that can only come when you have the experience that he has."
Leading into the tournament, lots of talk revolved around spin as a major factor on surfaces in UAE. However, with the dew around, Mishra stressed that the variations in speed, length and trajectory have become very essential for spinners like him.
"It is not like it is helping the spinners a lot. The wickets have grass and it is helping the fast ball a bit. The wickets have a little moisture and softness so you have to bowl well. You need to know the pace at which you must bowl and the variations that you need to use. You need to be smart and bowl in the right areas, just being a spinner isn't enough," he said.
A magnificent start with two back to back wins must've raised the hopes of a maiden title in the Delhi camp. The team is looking stronger than ever as well. Mishra believes one crucial aspect behind this is the environment that the ownership group and the team management have been able to create for players, especially this season when they're coming back after an extended break and are having to live in bio-bubbles.
"The best thing is that cricket is back and that has helped people move away from any sort of negativity around them and enjoy the game. The rules are brilliant and helps everyone stay and secure. Sometimes you need to draw a line looking at the bigger picture and if this is what was needed to get us back on the cricket pitch, we must follow."
"Yes, you do wish to go out sometimes, but we have our own family in the teammates and support staff. One wrong step can hurt everyone so while it is a little strict, I see the rules as a positive move. Resumption of cricket is most important and I don't think any player has a problem."
"Have spent a lot of time with the likes of Mohit Sharma and Harshal Patel. We keep talking and this unit is like a family. The environment is really positive and that is the best part when you are away on tour," he signed off.
