Amit Mishra Retires After Long Cricket Career And IPL Success

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

Amit Mishra’s international career had two main phases. The first phase involved handling the huge pressure of replacing the legendary Anil Kumble. Mishra had to prove himself as India’s new leg-spinner, which was not easy. The second phase came when players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja rose in the team. Their styles suited the plans of captains like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, which made it harder for Mishra to get regular opportunities.

Even though he played only 22 Test matches and took 76 wickets, this number does not fully reflect his skill. Mishra had a sharp leg-break and an exciting googly, but he became the third-choice spinner behind Ashwin and Jadeja.

Mental Struggles And Staying Positive

Mishra admitted that being in and out of the Indian team was mentally tough. Sometimes he played, and sometimes he didn’t. “It was frustrating many times, no doubt,” he said. Yet he always reminded himself of his dream – playing cricket for India. Being among the 15 players in the national team was an achievement in itself.

He focused on improving his fitness, batting, and bowling. Whenever he got a chance to play, he gave his best. Despite the competition, he stayed positive and worked hard to prove himself.

IPL Hat-Trick And Career Turnaround

The IPL played a key role in Mishra’s comeback to the Indian team. He recalled that his hat-trick in the first edition of the IPL in 2008, along with five wickets in that match, changed his career. Before this, he was performing well in domestic cricket, taking 35–45 wickets per season, but the national team had overlooked him.

The IPL gave him exposure and recognition. He also performed well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, taking 25 wickets the previous year, which helped him secure a contract with the Delhi Daredevils. The IPL moment marked the start of his continuous run in the Indian team.

Competition And Captain Preferences

Mishra said different captains had their preferred players, and this was part of cricket. “Some players are captain’s favourites, but it doesn’t matter much,” he explained. He believed that every player must perform when given a chance. Even if someone performed better, hard work and consistency eventually earned recognition.

He also found Indian batsmen harder to bowl to than overseas players. Dismissing top Indian players like Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, or Virat Kohli gave him special satisfaction.

Debut And Key Matches

Mishra remembered his Test debut against Australia in Mohali in 2008. Anil Kumble was injured, and Mishra got his first chance. He took five wickets in the match and was awarded Player of the Match. This debut was a huge moment and came with great pressure to fill Kumble’s shoes.

His last international match was a T20I against England in 2017 at Bengaluru. He took 1/23 in four overs, which was impressive, but another leg-spinner took six wickets in that match. After that, Mishra didn’t play for India again, despite being a legendary IPL player with 174 wickets in 162 games, including a hat-trick in the first IPL season.

IPL Influence And Recognition

Mishra credited the IPL for keeping him in the spotlight. The performances in the league helped selectors notice him. He highlighted the defining moment of his career – the 2008 IPL hat-trick and five-wicket haul, which led to his Test comeback.

Even though his international career had ups and downs, Mishra always worked hard. He never shied away from improving his skills, whether in bowling, batting, or fitness.

Reflection On Career And Retirement

Mishra expressed that he had no regrets about his cricket career. He played for 25 years across three decades alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and under leaders like MS Dhoni. He also played with current stars like Rohit Sharma.

He said cricket gave him respect, identity, and purpose. Even without a grand farewell or press conference, he felt proud of giving his best and performing with heart. Earning the love of fans and respect of peers was his greatest achievement.

Amit Mishra leaves cricket with pride in his contributions. Despite facing challenges, being overlooked, and competition from other spinners, he remained committed and worked hard. His journey shows the importance of perseverance, hard work, and focusing on personal growth. His career is remembered not only for wickets and records but also for dedication, passion, and respect earned from fans and fellow cricketers.

Amit Mishra Retirement, Indian Cricket Career, IPL Hat Trick