IPL 2016: Delhi Daredevils will go with an aggressive approach against Kings XI Punjab, says Amit Mishra

New Delhi: Notwithstanding the dismal start to their campaign in IPL-9, Delhi Daredevils leg-spinner Amit Mishra today said his team remains “positive” and will employ an “aggressive” approach when it takes on Kings XI Punjab on New Delhi on Friday. “We look to have a positive approach. The preparations are going on well. We have been working hard at the nets. We’re confident and want to do well. A few matches may not go our way initially but we are going to go all out with an aggressive approach,” Mishra told reporters. [caption id=“attachment_2476256” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Amit Mishra. AFP[/caption] “This team has a lot of good players. We have some big hitters in Carlos Brathwaite and Sanju Samson is also there in the middle order but we need to boost our middle order and click as a unit. “The pithes so far are conducive to batting and as a bowler you need to have variety and think how the batsmen is going to play us and accordingly bowl.” Asked if he is looking to use the IPL as a platform to regain his place in the Indian Test side, Mishra said: “I don’t want to put pressure on myself. Now I want to just focus on IPL. I am focused on the upcoming matches and not worried about what will happen one and a half month later. “Right now, I want to be in the top 10 wicket takers list this IPL season. Delhi didn’t do well in the last two years and we want to finish in the top 4 and we are looking to start that journey from here in Delhi,” said Mishra, who last played in the Nagpur Test against South Africa in November last year. Asked about leg-spinners, he said: “Leg spinners have done well. Team selections is not in our hands but we have some quality leg spinners and I am sure they will do well.” About why Pawan Negi, the costliest Indian player at the IPL auction, didn’t bowl in their last match against Kolkata Knight Riders, he said: “Last match we didn’t score many runs so Negi didn’t need to bowl.” Delhi has a new coaching unit with batting legend and current Indian U-19 coach Rahul Dravid being the mentor and Paddy Upton their coach. Mishra said: “Dravid is a great player and he is respected by all. He shares his experience and tells the batsman what shots to play staying within his particular style and what suits him. To the bowlers, he says to go for the wicket and not worry about going for runs.” To a question about Dravid’s candidature for Team India coach, Mishra said: “I can’t say about the Indian team. But Dravid is a good coach. He gives a lot of space to all and never speaks anything negative to any player. So no one is unhappy with him. Everyone respects him.”