Will Amit Mishra's Test Debut in Mohali Always Be the Most Memorable Moment of His Cricketing Career?

New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) Amit Mishra has secured a significant spot in Indian cricket history with his classical and aggressive leg-spin, employing flight, sharp turn, and the occasional googly as his primary tools.

Throughout his career in 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is, he produced numerous unforgettable performances, including a five-wicket haul on his debut, and matched Javagal Srinath’s record for the most wickets in a bilateral ODI series. Mishra was part of the victorious Indian squad in the 2013 Champions Trophy and achieved runner-up status in the 2014 T20 World Cup, where he took 10 wickets.

Following his retirement from all cricket formats, Mishra shared insights with IANS about his journey, his Test debut against Australia, three IPL hat-tricks, and the future of leg-spin in Indian cricket. Here are some excerpts:

Q. What influenced your decision to retire from professional cricket?

A. After 25 years in cricket, my body could no longer provide the necessary support. I attempted to return from injuries, but a series of setbacks indicated that my body was overwhelmed and couldn't recover efficiently.

Additionally, it's time for the younger generation to get opportunities. I was injured last year and didn’t enter the IPL auction. Domestic cricket was also not an option due to my inability to handle stress on my body. All these factors led me to conclude that it was the appropriate moment to retire.

Q. How do you reflect on your cricketing journey, especially at the international level?

A. Whenever I had the chance to represent the Indian team, I delivered, and I have no regrets. Some questioned why I didn’t play more matches, but I believe in moving forward. I am content with my career, working harder than expected.

I've always focused on what I can control - my work ethic and performance. I addressed concerns about my fitness and continuously improved my batting and bowling.

I'm grateful to everyone who supported me: my coaches, family, teammates, seniors, and juniors. A special thanks to the Haryana Cricket Association for nurturing my talent during tough times and for giving me the chance to play at the senior level, paving my way to the national team. I also appreciate all the IPL franchises for their support.

Q. Which achievement stands out as the most memorable from your career?

A. There are many memorable moments, but my Test debut in Mohali is particularly special. Anil (Kumble) bhai was injured, facing immense pressure because everyone was speculating whether I could fill his shoes.

When Anil bhai informed me in the morning that I would be playing, he encouraged me to perform well. I took eight wickets on my debut, including a five-wicket haul, which remains the most significant moment of my career.

This debut created many cherished memories. It was a remarkable opportunity to play for India in such a crucial situation, filling in for Anil bhai, which I view as a major accomplishment that will forever be etched in my memory.

Q. Did you ever feel that you had the potential to play more matches for India, including Tests?

A. Yes, I believed that with more opportunities, I could have performed better. However, dwelling on things beyond your control can lead to disappointment. I have no regrets and have always aimed for improvement.

With a 25-year career, I may not have played many matches, but I was consistently part of the team in ODIs, T20Is, and IPL for 16-17 years. I take pride in never stepping back from any challenge in cricket.

Q. The IPL showcased some of your best performances. What makes this tournament special for you?

A. Performance in the IPL is undeniable. It’s the largest league in India, attracting the best players globally. Outstanding performances are recognized and appreciated.

For instance, dismissing players like Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, or AB de Villiers is memorable and acknowledged. In contrast, if a bowler takes four or five wickets in other formats, it's often forgotten.

But in the IPL, taking crucial wickets changes the match's course and is remembered. That’s the IPL's value - dismissing key players can earn you opportunities in the Indian team. A successful season can open doors to the Indian team or India A or Duleep Trophy.

Q. You still hold the record for the most hat-tricks in IPL history. How has that influenced your career?

A. Achieving a hat-trick in the IPL is challenging, making all three of mine very special. Holding this record and being among the top ten wicket-takers in IPL brings me joy despite limited play in the last two years due to injuries.

Hat-tricks are rare, and each one with different IPL teams is significant to me. My first hat-trick was a turning point, leading me back to the Indian team.

I played two ODIs against Bangladesh in 2003 but then faced a five-year gap from the Indian team. However, after my first IPL hat-trick, I was selected for the India ‘A’ team and made my Test debut the same year, marking a comeback.

Q. How do you perceive the evolution of domestic cricket since you began?

A. Cricket has transformed significantly. In my early days, players took their time, but now there's an aggressive approach to batting, and bowlers exhibit similar aggression. Bowlers with more variations and wicket-taking capabilities are prioritized.

It’s become a power game where fielding and batting skills must be enhanced. I've witnessed this evolution, starting from the era of Sachin Tendulkar to MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. I anticipate more changes in the next five years.

Earlier, we admired the shot range of overseas players, but now Indian batters possess those skills. Fast bowlers employ slower bouncers and yorkers, while spinners showcase a variety of leg-spin, googly, and flipper techniques, which is remarkable. The pace of cricket will quicken, and player mentalities, team management, and gameplay rules will evolve.

Q. What is your view on the future of wrist-spinners in India, and your advice for aspiring all-format players?

A. There's ample talent, but we must nurture it with proper coaching and instill a strong mindset. T20 and IPL dominate thoughts, which differ from Test match bowling. Bowlers need to manage their approach and effectively utilize variations.

Players require guidance to distinguish between T20 and Test bowling strategies. We have no talent shortage but need to provide the right mentorship and mindset adjustments. Young cricketers must understand that bowling in Tests, ODIs, and T20s requires different techniques and mindsets.

In Test matches, adjustments are necessary in follow-through, flight, pitch location, and variations, as well as field placements.

Q. Who do you believe could become the next prominent wrist-spinner for India, especially in Tests?

A. I prefer not to name specific bowlers to avoid discouraging others. There's abundant talent, and I’ve seen many cricketers capable of becoming successful off-spinners, leg-spinners, and left-arm spinners.

They need to be guided and mentored, as T20Is and Tests require different variations and mindsets. They must practice diligently, sending down extensive overs to refine their skills and mindset.

Q. What crucial lesson can young players learn from your cricketing career?

A. Avoid shortcuts in life; they lead to short careers. Focus on the long-term perspective of your career and continue working hard. Also, don’t get disheartened; there’s a wealth of cricket available. If you miss an opportunity now, another will come in a year or two.

Q. With your playing days behind you, how do you plan to stay connected with cricket?

A. I've ventured into commentary, but I also wish to share insights from my 25 years of cricket experience. In my time, it was challenging to seek advice on bowling.

Now, I’m eager to assist any cricketer or aspiring player wanting to represent India. I'm ready to offer support in any capacity – mentally, physically, or skill-wise.