Says Amit Mishra as he makes a comeback to ODI side after 6 yrs
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
'I'll go for wickets'
It’s a comeback story of the season. After six long years of struggle, interspersed with some sparkling performances in the IPL-II and Emerging Players tournament in Australia, leg spinner Amit Mishra will once again don the blue jersey for India in the forthcoming tri-nation series and Champions Trophy. In conversion with Anupam Pratihary, the 26-year-old leggie discusses his agonizing wait, recent success and plans for the season ahead…
What has changed in you as a bowler since you last played ODI for India in April 2003?
One thing that I’ve learnt over a period of time is to quickly adapt to the match situation and prevailing conditions on the ground. I think this helped me to do well in the IPL-II in South Africa and also in the recent Emerging Players tournament in Australia.
Who helped you during your agonizing wait to make the ODI comeback?
My family supported me all along. I must also thank Haryana Cricket Association for helping me and showing faith in me. Talking to former spinners also helped a lot. Anil bhai (Kumble) always encouraged me. He used to tell me that I’m constantly improving and soon I’ll make it to the team. Hirwani bhai (Narendra) have also been a big help. He asked me to stick to spin and flight, which he thinks are my strengths. Other players like Sehwag, Yuvi and Sachin bhai also used to encourage me a lot.
How was the experience in the Emerging Players tournament?
Every tour has its challenges. In Australia, the wickets were not very helpful and bowling on such tracks was really challenging. Moreover, the Kookaburra ball was also not conducive for spin bowling, as its seams are not as prominent as SG balls in India. To overcome all that and yet out-think a batsman was something I enjoyed. It was a nice learning curve.
You’ve done well in the T20 format. You took 14 wickets in 11 games in the IPL-II. What do you think you need to do to translate that success in ODI?
They are two different formats and the demands are different. In T20, I try to cramp the batsman by not giving him any room and thus the emphasis is on conceding as few runs as possible. But in ODI, I will try to bowl more positively. I’ll try to beat batsmen in both flight and spin. I’m a bowler who likes to go for wickets and I’ll carry on doing just that. Aggressive and positive bowling is what I’m aiming for.
How have you been preparing for the two series coming up shortly?
I’ve been watching videos of the players I’ll bowl against during the tri-series in Sri Lanka. I’ve also been working on my mental and physical fitness. I’m constantly working on my trajectory and variations like flipper, googly and straighter one. I’m also planning to talk to Sachin bhai (Tendulkar) during the camp before the series for he gives some interesting tips from a batsman’s point of view.
Any other aspect of the game that you are working on?
My fielding has improved but my batting has to improve further. I’m working on my batting. I feel I need to contribute more with the bat.
Any short-term goal for the two series?
I don’t have any goal in particular, but I want to take as many wickets for my team as possible. I want my performance should be such that it should help my team win. I hope we win both the tournaments.
