Mohali/Calcutta: Since becoming the head coach of the Indian team, Anil Kumble has been lauded richly by his wards. Leg-spinner Amit Mishra joined the list of his admirers on Saturday when he spoke about the former India captain at a media conference in Mohali.

India take on New Zealand in the third one-dayer of the five-match series at the PCA Stadium on Sunday. The series is tied at 1-1 after New Zealand recorded a narrow six-run win at the Kotla.

"Anil bhai helps me a lot... He doesn't talk a lot about technique... It is with the mental part that he helps a great deal. He advises how to be mentally strong... For example, I was not selected in the XI for the Test matches, but still he was there to help me.

"Besides, we discuss where to bowl, at what pace to bowl, the field placements against the batsmen... I learn a lot. And it's not just me, everyone benefits from his advice," Mishra said.

Mishra added that it's not just the bowlers, Kumble gives tips to the batsmen as well. "Even though he (Kumle) is a bowler, he gives tips to batsmen too... Especially the tailenders, who can play a crucial role in matches that go down to the wire."

Despite the defeat in the last match, the team is not worried, Mishra said, adding that Kumble positive mindset helps too.

"Anil bhai is always positive, no matter what happens. This team has the talent to win matches. We did not play to our potential in the last match. We would have won had we played proper cricket. We will try not to repeat the mistakes of the last game on Sunday," Mishra said.

Being one of the seniors in a young team, Mishra said that he enjoys playing the role of a mentor.

"The experience of helping youngsters has been good. Whenever they ask me, I give them tips... During the game or during meetings, whenever they come to me, I try to help them as much as I can. I try not put any unnecessary pressure on them. I am really enjoying this role," Mishra said.

Talking about the young team, Mishra said: "I think we have been doing well... Especially in bowling, considering it is a young attack... We are getting wickets at the right time. But every strategy doesn't work every time, then the second line of defence comes in. But having said that, we have to improve in certain areas." "As spinners, we always go for wickets. But sometimes we have to take a back step. We talk about having multiple plans (before the game)... If one doesn't work, then we go for Plan 'B'."