Amit Mishra on Virat Kohli: Former India spinner reveals why his comeback never happened

Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra has opened up about his unsuccessful attempt to return to the national team, claiming that Virat Kohli assured him of a comeback opportunity but later failed to respond to his calls. Mishra shared his experience during a conversation with former India opener Aakash Chopra, raising fresh questions about player communication, selection decisions and the challenges cricketers face after recovering from injuries.

The former spinner, who enjoyed an outstanding run against New Zealand in 2016, believes his performances deserved another opportunity in Indian cricket. However, according to Mishra, his recovery from injury did not lead to the international comeback he had hoped for.

His account offers a glimpse into the uncertainty that can surround a player’s career when fitness, form and selection decisions do not align. While Mishra has shared his perspective on what happened, the circumstances behind the selection decisions remain a matter of context rather than a confirmed explanation from the Indian team management.

Amit Mishra claims Virat Kohli did not respond after promising a comeback

Speaking to Aakash Chopra, Amit Mishra recalled the period when he was recovering from an injury and trying to return to the Indian team. Kohli was leading India during that phase, and Mishra said the former captain had given him reason to believe another opportunity could be possible.

According to Mishra, he focused on his rehabilitation and worked towards regaining full fitness. Once he felt ready to play again, he attempted to contact Kohli to discuss his prospects of returning to the national side.

Mishra claimed that Kohli asked him to wait and indicated that he would get back to him within a week. However, the former spinner said that a week passed without a response. Two more weeks went by, followed by another, but he still did not receive the clarity he was seeking.

Mishra also claimed that he tried to reach out again but did not get a satisfactory response. Eventually, he concluded that a return to the Indian team was unlikely and stopped contacting Kohli.

For Mishra, the disappointment was not simply about missing selection. It was also about the lack of clarity after he had worked to recover from injury and believed he still had something to offer Indian cricket.

It is important to note that these are Mishra’s claims about his experience. They do not, by themselves, establish why the selectors or team management did not consider him for another international opportunity.

Amit Mishra’s outstanding performance against New Zealand in 2016

One of the strongest arguments behind Mishra’s disappointment was his performance during India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand in October 2016.

Mishra finished the series with 15 wickets in five matches, earning the Player of the Series award. His ability to deceive batters through flight, turn and variations made him one of India’s most effective bowlers during the contest.

His finest performance came in the fifth ODI at Visakhapatnam on October 29, 2016. Mishra returned figures of five wickets for 18 runs as India bowled New Zealand out for 79 after posting 269 for six.

India won the match by 190 runs and secured the series 3-2. Mishra received the Player of the Match award for his match-winning spell.

The performance demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure and exploit conditions that offered opportunities for attacking spin bowling. Taking 15 wickets across a five-match ODI series was a significant achievement, particularly against an international side competing in challenging conditions.

However, a strong series does not automatically guarantee a long international career. Team combinations, competition for places, injuries, tactical preferences and future performances can all influence selection decisions.

For Mishra, though, the contrast between that remarkable series and the eventual end of his international career remains a particularly frustrating part of his story.

MS Dhoni’s advice helped Mishra handle comparisons with Anil Kumble

Mishra also reflected on the early stages of his international career, when he frequently faced comparisons with legendary Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble.

Replacing or following a player of Kumble’s stature was never going to be an easy task. Such comparisons can create additional pressure for a young cricketer who is still developing his own identity at the international level.

Mishra recalled how former India captain MS Dhoni helped him manage those expectations. According to the spinner, Dhoni encouraged him to bowl naturally and trust the skills that had brought him into the Indian team.

The advice helped Mishra focus on his strengths rather than attempting to become another version of an established great.

Dhoni’s approach reflected an important principle in professional cricket: players are often at their best when they understand their roles and have the confidence to execute their natural skills.

Mishra’s experience also highlights the different kinds of support players may need throughout their careers. While tactical guidance is important, confidence and clear communication can be equally valuable, especially when a player is trying to establish himself in a competitive team environment.

Amit Mishra backs attacking spin bowling on flat pitches

Beyond his experiences with Kohli and Dhoni, Mishra discussed the changing demands of spin bowling in modern cricket.

Batting-friendly pitches, aggressive stroke play and shorter formats have made life increasingly challenging for bowlers. Spinners are often expected to control the scoring rate while also creating wicket-taking opportunities.

Mishra believes that the search for wickets should remain central to a spinner’s approach. In his view, bowlers should not abandon their natural ability to turn the ball simply because the pitch offers limited assistance.

He explained that a spinner conceding 50 runs while taking three wickets could still make a valuable contribution to the team. The value of such a spell depends on the match situation, but the broader point is clear: wickets can be more influential than economy figures alone.

This approach is particularly relevant in limited-overs cricket, where bowlers must balance attacking intent with the need to contain scoring. A spinner who consistently threatens the stumps, changes pace intelligently and varies trajectory can create pressure even on a flat surface.

Mishra also believes that dedicated preparation can help spinners succeed across Test cricket, ODIs and T20 internationals. Different formats require adjustments in length, pace, field settings and risk management, but he does not consider success in all three formats impossible.

Amit Mishra’s international career and numbers

Mishra represented India in all three international formats and built a reputation as a wicket-taking leg-spinner.

His international record includes:

• Test cricket: 22 matches and 76 wickets.
• One-day internationals: 36 matches and 64 wickets.
• T20 internationals: 10 matches and 16 wickets.

His last international appearance came against England in February 2017. Although he continued to play domestic cricket and featured in the Indian Premier League, he did not return to the national team.

His career illustrates the fine margins that can determine an international player’s future. Injuries can interrupt momentum, while competition from other bowlers can make a comeback increasingly difficult.

Mishra’s experience also raises a broader question about how teams communicate with players who are recovering from injuries and seeking another opportunity. Clear feedback may not guarantee selection, but it can help players understand their position and make informed decisions about their careers.

Amit Mishra’s comments about Virat Kohli have brought renewed attention to a chapter of Indian cricket that might otherwise have remained largely unexplored. His impressive performances, particularly against New Zealand in 2016, explain why he may have felt another international opportunity was within reach.

At the same time, selection decisions involve several factors, and Mishra’s account represents his side of the experience rather than a complete explanation of the team’s decision-making process.

What remains clear is that Mishra made a significant contribution to Indian cricket and continued to believe in his ability as a wicket-taking spinner. His views on attacking spin bowling also offer a useful reminder that adaptability should not come at the expense of a bowler’s strongest skills.

What do you think? Did Amit Mishra deserve another opportunity to represent India after his outstanding 2016 ODI series? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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