Mishra credits Kumble for fresh focus in trying times
MOHALI: At 33, Amit Mishra’s time is running out but the leg-spinner, who has frittered away many chances in his career, has been a revelation in the present series against New Zealand.
Finding second wind, Mishra is the leading bowler and the most experienced spinner with both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja rested after their efforts in the Test series whitewash.
And Mishra has been among wickets, taking three each in the first two ODIs in Dharamsala and Delhi.
The wickets couldn’t have come at a better time.
With India slated to play a five-Test series against England from November followed by a four-Test series against Australia from February, Mishra, who is also trying to mentor young spinners in the side, has certainly made a case for himself.
“Whenever a youngster comes up to me and asks for tips, I oblige. Especially the small things that I feel are pertinent for them. I’m really enjoying this role of supporting the youngsters,” Mishra said.
Despite making his Test debut way back in 2008 and having played his first ODI in 2003, Mishra has been in and out of the squad.
Often relegated to the grind of domestic cricket, he has been called for one-off series here and there. In all, he has featured in only 20 Tests and 33 ODIs.
He featured in the ODIs against South Africa in October last year.
However, the one thing that has worked in Mishra’s favour is the appointment of Anil Kumble as coach. He credits his former teammate for his counsel and for keeping him focused.
HELPING OUT
“Anil bhai helps me out a lot. Rather than going into the technicalities, he helps out with the mental aspect. For example, when I wasn’t in the playing XI during the Tests, he advised me regarding the areas I should bowl, how I should vary my pace according to the conditions, and how I should adjust the field,” Mishra said.
Mishra got a bit of stick in Delhi and leaked 60 runs — crucially he got out to a rash shot trying to heave Martin Guptill across the line — handing the advantage to the Kiwis. Mishra realises his mistake and it’s something he is ready to improve on.
“Yes, there was an opportunity in the last match. I played a bad shot. If my shot had got the runs, it would have helped the team. Next time I get a chance like this, I’m going to take my time and then prove myself.”
MISHRA GOT A BIT OF STICK IN DELHI AND LEAKED 60 RUNS — CRUCIALLY HE GOT OUT TO A RASH SHOT TRYING TO HEAVE ACROSS THE LINE — HANDING THE ADVANTAGE TO KIWIS