Chennai: Chennai Super Kings’ leading player in IPL 2010 has been their strike bowler, Muttiah Muralidaran.
Murali has been among the top wicket-takers in the tournament and remains one of the contenders for the Purple Cap this season.
Delhi Daredevils spinner Amit Mishra may have just displaced the Sri Lankan at the top of the tree, but that has not dampened the spirit of the world’s best off-spinner.
“[I am] not really [worried], because I am not fond of caps,” Murali joked. “Winning is the most important thing,’’ he added ahead of the big clash against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday night.
The Super Kings veteran leads a band of spinners who have performed really well in the latest IPL. Murali and his ilk have shown that the T20 format has a place for slow bowlers.
As a result, the Kandy-born player finds it surprising that spinners are not treated with more respect in the T20 format.
``Who says that this is not the format for spinners?,” Murali asked “this is for everyone.
“Spinners can take wickets and their roles cannot be underestimated. You have to play according to the situation. Basically if you bowl well, you have the chance to get wickets. It doesn’t matter whether you are a fast bowler or a spinner.’’ He added.
With their key man in such good form, the Sri Lankan selection panel will be delighted with the World T20 scheduled to be held shortly in West Indies.
The wily campaigner believes that playing in the IPL will help all the players travelling to the Caribbean.
“Nobody will be rested as every franchisee wants to play its best players,” Murali stated. “All the players want to get match practice and go to the West Indies for the World T20.’’
Although Murali is a fiercely loyal Sri Lankan, he stressed there is always pride to be played for, whatever shirt he is wearing.
“Every player wants to play every match as hard as he can, be it IPL, club or country,” he proclaimed. “It is going to be the same because the motto is the same. The motivation has to be there otherwise you shouldn’t be playing.’’
Although the Super Kings take on table-topping Mumbai in their next encounter, Murali believes they can go into the match with great heart following their high-scoring victory against Rajasthan Royals last up.
“In this competition any side can beat any side. We have got the highest score in the competition, so we have a good chance [to win],’’ he closed.
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