Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra has expressed disappointment over his unsuccessful attempt to return to the Indian team after an injury. Mishra claimed that Virat Kohli, who was captain at the time, asked him to wait for a week after he regained fitness but never gave him a clear response about another opportunity.
Speaking to former India opener Aakash Chopra, Mishra said he contacted Kohli after completing his rehabilitation. However, despite waiting several weeks and trying to reach him again, he did not receive clarity about his chances of returning to the national side. Mishra's disappointment was partly due to his impressive performances before the injury. During India's five-match ODI series against New Zealand in 2016, he took 15 wickets and won the Player of the Series award. His best performance came in the fifth ODI in Visakhapatnam on October 29, 2016, when he claimed five wickets for just 18 runs. India won the match by 190 runs to seal the series 3-2, while Mishra was named Player of the Match. Despite these performances, Mishra could not secure another regular opportunity in the Indian team after his injury.
Mishra also recalled the pressure he faced early in his career because of comparisons with former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble. He credited former captain MS Dhoni with helping him manage those expectations. Dhoni encouraged him to trust his natural bowling style instead of putting himself under unnecessary pressure.
Mishra's International Career
Mishra represented India in 22 Tests, 36 ODIs and 10 T20Is, taking 76, 64 and 16 wickets respectively. His final international appearance came against England in February 2017.
His account highlights the disappointment he experienced after recovering from injury but failing to return to the national team. Mishra said the lack of a clear response about his selection prospects made the situation particularly frustrating.