IPL 2021: Amit Mishra highlights importance of good captaincy in the evolution of leg-spinners

Mishra will turn up for Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL season.

Amit Mishra | IANSOne of IPL's most successful bowler, Amit Mishra on Sunday (April 4) highlighted the importance of a good captain in the evolution of leg-spinners.

According to Mishra, the practitioners of leg-spin need a leader who can back them in difficult moments of the game.

"Any leg-spinner needs a good captain because when the bowler is under attack, you need that sort of a skipper, who would back you to the hilt and give you that requisite confidence even when you have gone for a few runs," he told PTI in an exclusive chat.

"... A captain who basically understands the psyche of a leg-spinner," added Mishra, who will turn up for Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL season.

Mishra, 38, has represented India in 68 matches across all formats and except for Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav and Rahul Chahar, there aren't many quality leg-break bowlers in the ranks.

"In the past 5-6 years, we have had some good leg-spinners but we will get more quality as we get more such bowlers, who have learnt the craft, and share the knowledge of their art with next generation.

"The passing of knowledge is very important more so for leg spin which is an art form," said Mishra, who is the second highest wicket-taker in IPL with 160 scalps from 150 games.

"I am not for once saying that we don't have good leg-spinners, we have quite a few but yes what a lot of them need is guidance. Once that guidance is available, you will see a large number of them."

Talking about the qualities of a good wrist-spinner, Mishra said: "You should know how to bowl according to situations and which particular variation suits which situation. Also, a wrist spinner, apart from being a good wicket-taking option, should also strive to be someone who can also play the restrictive role, if need be."

Having recovered from a hand injury that he sustained during the IPL 2020 in UAE, Mishra is now looking forward to a fruitful season with the Delhi Capitals.

"Last season I missed out on playing the finals, something that I had waited for years. It felt good that all the team mates sent a lot of messages that they missed me. This year, I am raring to go and give my best," he concluded.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 05 Apr, 2021

    Share Via