Ex-Indian spinner blames MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli for destroying his cricket career

Ex-Indian spinner Amit Mishra frankly discussed the experiences and challenges that he faced during his time when he was excluded from the national team. As he has not formally announced his retirement, the veteran spinner disclosed how injuries and team selection decisions prevented him from sealing a permanent position in the Indian national squad.

Mishra made his international debut under the leadership of Anil Kumble and went on to play under the captaincy of both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Despite a quite eminent career spanning 22 Tests, 36 ODIs and 10 T20Is, he picked up 156 wickets. Mishra recalls various examples that left his feelings on the bitter side. 

“Team selection heavily prioritizes likeability, not just playing ability. Simply excelling on the cricket pitch is insufficient. The captain ultimately decides the Playing XI. I had a strong rapport with MS Dhoni, but when I inquired twice about why I wasn’t being selected, he explained that I didn’t fit the team’s desired combination,” Mishra said on a YouTube show.

“I was informed that I would be given a rest, though I had not requested it. At that point, I had not even played 10 Test matches, so I saw no reason to ask for a break. To be honest, I was not in a position to question Dhoni’s decision. I did ask the coach, who told me to speak to Dhoni directly, but I felt I could not do so. When I asked the coach again, he simply stated that they were giving me a rest,” he added.

“During the Indian T20 League, we faced the Bangalore franchise. I asked the team management for clarification on my career prospects. They said they’d look into it and get back to me. 

“Virat Kohli played a key role in my comeback to the Indian team for the 2016 Sri Lanka series. I was performing well, and the team needed a leg-spinner who could be effective in Sri Lankan conditions. When I returned to the squad, Kohli told me he wanted me to train with him personally. I explained that while I couldn’t lift weights like him, I was willing to do any other training he recommended,” Mishra stated.

“However, when I later asked Kohli again about my future, I never received a clear answer. I even messaged him, but he simply read the text and said he’d get back to me, which he never did,” he disclosed.