Amit Mishra feels Delhi Daredevils should not be written off as an underdog

Delhi Daredevils legspinner, Amit Mishra has said that his team cannot be written ahead of the start of the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League just because their two key players – JP Duminy and Quinton de Kock have been ruled out due to injury and personal issues.

Youngster Shreyas Iyer, who was called-up as a replacement for Virat Kohli in the final Test vs Australia at Dharamsala, but didn’t make his debut, has also been ruled out for the first week of the tournament due to chicken pox.

While de Kock was ruled out due to an injury, Duminy pulled out owing to personal reasons. “JP Duminy has some personal problems and that’s why he pulled out. When something like that happens, it’s better the player stays with the family. It’s never nice to keep on playing. De Kock got injured and we can do very little about that. Whenever he’s fit, he’ll walk back in the team,” Mishra told on Wednesday.

Mishra, who will be hoping to record good figures this time, feels that even though the team will struggle a bit without de Kock and Duminy, it is unfair to completely write them off the tournament.

“Yes, it’s not ideal but that doesn’t mean you can write us off. The good thing is the guys have gelled well in the last few days and I feel we have a very good team this time. We are working hard. I’m confident we are going to do well.”

Daredevils haven’t enjoyed decent success in any of the previous 9 editions. The last time when they managed to make it to the play-offs stage was in 2012. Ever since, they’ve been the wooden spooners of the 8-teams league.

While injuries have once again refrain the Dravid mentored side from their maiden IPL title, Mishra is hopeful of a decent outing this year.