Veteran Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra has insisted on Wednesday (September 19) that he was not overlooked by the national selectors because of his form but his injury.

The 35-year-old Haryana bowler, who has 76 Test and 64 One Day International wickets to his name, last turned up for India during New Zealand tour in 2017 and was awarded the Player of the Series.

Mishra, who is one of Team India’s best bowlers despite never having played for the national side on the regular basis, missed out a lot of chances with the national colors only because of a knee injury that he suffered in the T20I series against England on February 2017. He also played in the IPL 2018 for DD.

However, he is now ready to make an impact with ball with his leg-breaks in the upcoming domestic season with Haryana to stake his claim for the national selection.

Mishra told Sportstar, “The Vijay Hazare tournament is a good opportunity for us. I like to deceive the batsmen. But, control is crucial.”

Mishra turns his leg-breaks and does bowl the googly, the top-spinner and the flipper, said of his bowling, “Yes, I have the variety but it is important to mix it up well.”

On the present competition among leg-spinners in India, he said, “It’s healthy. But, I am my biggest competitor.  I lost my India place because of injury, not form. Now, I am fit and confident.”

The 35-year-old also felt that age was not really a factor for selection and is still dreaming to play for India. Mishra signed off by saying, “Ability and fitness are. I want to play for the country again.”