On Thursday, September 4, Amit Mishra declared his retirement from all forms of cricket. He made his international debut in April 2003 during an ODI tri-series in Bangladesh. Despite taking a wicket in each of his bowling spells, he was eventually dropped from the squad. The leg-spinner had to wait five more years before returning to the squad at the end of the 2008 season for a home Test series against Australia.
Mishra expressed depression and anger after having to wait five years to return to the India team.
However, he stated that he had no regrets because he gave his all every time he stepped out on the pitch.
“After my debut, there was a 5-year gap in my career. If it wasn’t there, I could have played more matches. I made my debut in Bangladesh in a One-Day match in 2003. After that, there was a 5-year gap. I couldn’t return to the Indian team in five years. I was performing and doing everything. But I have no regrets. I gave my 100 per cent whenever I got a chance. And I always proved what I was told. I focused on performing. Although I was depressed for 1-1.5 years. I was angry,” Mishra was quoted as saying by NDTV.
I was a little worried: Amit Mishra
Mishra further explained how he evolved as a cricketer while being on the sidelines for five years. He said that he shifted his focus to improving his craft.
“I was a little worried. But after 1-2 years, I talked to myself. I said, I want to play cricket. I am playing cricket. And I am performing. So, how can I enhance this? What else can I add to my cricket? How can I improve my small performance? So, I started to pay attention to those things. I started talking to myself. I asked myself what improvements I have made. So, a person who loves cricket should never be depressed,” said Mishra (via the aforementioned source).
Mishra eventually finished with 156 international wickets after playing 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is. The 42-year-old also picked up 174 wickets in 162 matches at an average of 23.82.
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