Former Indian spinner Amit Mishra recalled approaching Virat Kohli after a match between Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, when the latter was captain, to discuss his chances of returning to the Indian team.
Speaking on a podcast with former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, Mishra revealed that Kohli had promised to get back to him within ten days, prompting him to focus on his fitness while awaiting a response.
However, even after two to three weeks, Mishra heard nothing and claimed that Kohli neither answered his calls nor responded to his messages. Eventually, he decided to move on, expressing disappointment at never receiving a clear answer despite repeatedly seeking clarity on his international future.
“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 suffered an injury during India’s multi-format series against England in 2017, sidelining him for nearly eight months. He revealed that then head coach Anil Kumble and captain Virat Kohli had assured him of another opportunity with 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.
