IPL 2016: Amit Mishra says he shaped his strategy on picking up wickets

Mishra showed his class by outwitting the Punjab batsmen

In an era where spinners try to shorten the length and fire it in, Amit Mishra comes across as a breath of fresh air. Imparting extravagant flight, the leg-spinner is not shy of tossing the ball up and drawing the batsmen forward.

IPLT20 reported the 33-year old opening up about his plans on outclassing the opposition batsmen and the importance of new-ball bowlers to a spinner’s success. Mishra was particularly satisfied with Shaun Marsh’s dismissal which proved to be a turning point in the match.

He revealed, “Marsh stepped out a little too early. I was trying to cramp him and spin the ball so that he mistimes the hit. But, the ball spun and went through the gate as he was attempting to hit a six. He was trying to put pressure on me in the beginning but then what I had thought worked out better and I got the wicket.”

Mishra was clear on his tactics against the Punjab middle-order. He said, “I had decided that while bowling to them I will do so with the intent of getting wickets, because they are the kind of players who if they start getting the shots right are difficult to stop. So, it is better that when they come out to bat you bowl to get the wicket. And today, my plans worked. I am really happy.”

The Haryana bowler also heaped praise on Zaheer Khan’s impressive spell. Mishra enthused, “It makes a lot of difference when your fast bowlers bowl well up front. It creates pressure on the batsmen who then try to hit the spinners who follow. So, that benefits us in a way, like I can try to get them out and today our plans succeeded.”

He added, “Having someone like Zak bhai who has played so much cricket around the world and has a lot of experience as to how to bowl where, helps. He also helps our batsmen and gives them useful tips. He supports all of us. He gives us options and we can choose the one that suits us best.”

Mishra hoped that Delhi Daredevils could capitalize on their victory against Kings XI Punjab during the remainder of the season. The seasoned campaigner affirmed, “It was a very important win. It has boosted the team’s morale. There is still a long way to go in the tournament, still more than a month and a half to go almost. These are initial days and the focus is on performing and winning matches.”