Former India spinner Amit Mishra recalled his conversation with former India captain Virat Kohli following an IPL 2017 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Daredevils.
Speaking to former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, Mishra revealed that Kohli failed to provide a clear response when he asked about his chances of making an international comeback. He also claimed that Kohli later stopped responding to his calls and messages.
“Our last game was against RCB. I was playing for Delhi. Kohli was the captain there. I went to talk to him. He told me he would call me in about ten days. I asked if I had to pass any fitness test, etc. I thought I would at least get the right answer, be it yes or no. I waited and worked on my fitness. After 2-3 weeks also there was no response. I called him, but he did not pick up. He did not reply to my messages. Then I let it go. What more can you do? I have never got an answer to date. Nobody answered and would keep pushing it,” he said on a podcast with Aakash Chopra.
Mishra sustained an injury during India’s multi-format series against England in 2017, which kept him out of action for nearly eight months. The former spinner revealed that then head coach Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli had assured him of an opportunity to return to the Indian team once he had fully recovered.
“In 2017, England came to India. I played two games, and I got injured. I could not play for eight months. After I recovered, I played domestic cricket and picked up wickets. Anil bhai was the coach when I got injured. He told me not to worry and that I would be automatically picked after I came back. Kohli had become the captain at that time. I spoke to him too. He also told me not to worry and said I would be there. Others with me also got injured. All of them made comebacks. I played in the IPL and performed well,” he stated.
Subsequently, Mishra also slammed selectors for not having proper communication despite assuring him of a national comeback after recovery from his injury. Mishra also contacted Anil Kumble, who explained that he could not intervene as he was no longer the coach.
“I even called the selectors, but they gave me such answers that hurt me. They said others have come and are performing. What about my performance? When I got injured and was out, I had done well. I was told I would be back after recovering. I asked Anil bhai, and he told me he could not do anything as he was not the coach anymore. At least give me some answer. No one told me anything. There should at least be a basis for not picking someone. I had performed everywhere. I never got a clear answer,” he concluded.
