Amit Mishra made his India ODI debut in 2003 and Test debut in 2008.
Veteran leg-spinner Amit Mishra announced his retirement from all cricket on September 4, 2025. This brought an end to a 25-year journey in cricket for Mishra. He also revealed his battle with depression and anger due to not getting chances for five years after making his debut for India in 2003.
Amit Mishra made his ODI debut in 2003 for India against South Africa in a tri-series in Bangladesh. However, he had to wait until 2008 for his next India appearance when Anil Kumble got injured. For half a decade, Kumble and Harbhajan Singh ruled the roost, making it difficult for Mishra to make a spot for himself.
Amit Mishra made his India Test debut in 2008 against Australia and picked a fifer in his first Test, in Mohali. Mishra impressed with classical, attacking leg-spin and outfoxed Australian batting bigwigs, including Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, and Shane Watson.
He doesn't regret missing the five years of action, but he still wishes he could have played more games for India if his comeback had occurred sooner.
"After my debut, there was a 5-year gap in my career. If it wasn't there, I could have played more matches. I made my debut in Bangladesh in a one-day match in 2003. After that, there was a 5-year gap. I couldn't return to the Indian team in five years. I was performing and doing everything. But I can't say I regret it. I can say that if I had made my comeback earlier, 3-4 years ago or two years ago, then I could have played more matches and performed better. So, that's one thing. There is no regret," Mishra exclusively told ANI.
Mishra worked hard for Haryana in the domestic league during his five years of exile in an attempt to influence the selectors. His only goal was to perform, even if those around him didn't believe in his abilities.
After a soliloquy, he had insight that helped him get through the difficult time and ultimately compelled him to return.
"Whenever I got a chance, I performed. Even though I played in such a big league, played in such big places, and played all over the world, I proved myself there. I performed there when people didn't believe in me. After that, every team started to keep two left-spinners on their team. So, I am really happy with my career. Yes, there were ups and downs in my career," he added.
Amit Mishra says he has no regrets, but also revealed that he struggled with depression for more than a year, and found a way to keep himself motivated even when the hopes of his return remained bleak.
"But I have no regrets. I gave my 100 percent whenever I got a chance. And I always proved what I was told. I focused on performing. Although I was depressed for 1-1.5 years. I was angry. I was performing. At that time, it was a little limited. But I was a little worried. But after 1-2 years, I talked to myself. I said, "I want to play cricket." I am playing cricket. And I am performing," he said.
"So, how can I enhance this? What else can I add to my Cricket? How can I improve my small performance? So, I started to pay attention to those things. I started talking to myself. I asked myself what improvements I have made. So, a person who loves cricket should never be depressed. Now, you have more options. So, I started to pay attention to that. I started to enjoy cricket, and I got motivated," he added.
Mishra ends his career with 68 games for India across formats and 156 wickets to his name. He also took 174 wickets in 162 games in the IPL and is the only bowler with three hat-tricks to his name in the league.
(ANI inputs)