Amit Mishra Reveals Why His India Comeback Never Happened After Virat Kohli’s Assurance
Former Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra has opened up about a disappointing chapter in his international career, claiming that Virat Kohli stopped responding to his calls and messages after assuring him of an India comeback following an injury in 2017.
Mishra shared his experience during a conversation with former India batter Aakash Chopra on the Baith & Bol podcast. According to the veteran spinner, both former head coach Anil Kumble and Kohli had encouraged him to focus on recovering, giving him hope that he could return to the national side once he regained full fitness.
Amit Mishra Says Virat Kohli Promised Him an India Return
Mishra’s injury occurred during India’s T20I series against England in Bengaluru in February 2017. He explained that Kumble was the head coach at the time and encouraged him not to worry about his place in the team.
Later, Mishra also approached Kohli, who was leading India. According to Mishra, the batter told him to regain full fitness and suggested that a return to the squad would follow.
These assurances left the leg-spinner hopeful about continuing his international career. However, he claims that the situation changed after he completed his recovery and tried to find out where he stood.
‘I Called Him, But There Was No Reply’
Mishra said he contacted Kohli after regaining fitness to ask about his chances of returning to the Indian team. He claimed that Kohli asked him to wait around seven to ten days for an update.
According to Mishra, that period passed without any response. He said he tried calling Kohli several times and also sent messages, but received no reply.
The former spinner said the lack of communication left him without a clear understanding of what he needed to do to earn another opportunity. His frustration, as described on the podcast, was not simply about missing selection; it was also about not receiving a definite explanation.
Kohli’s side of this particular exchange was not included in the report, so Mishra’s account should be understood as his recollection of the events.
Mishra Believed He Deserved Another Opportunity
The leg-spinner also compared his situation with that of other players who had returned to the national team after lengthy injury absences.
Mishra said he continued playing domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League after his international opportunities dried up. He believed he was willing to work on any fitness concerns and undergo the necessary tests if that was what the team management required.
In his view, even a clear message that he was no longer being considered would have helped him understand his position. Instead, he says he was left waiting for an answer that never arrived.
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WATCH VIDEO
Virat Kohli did not fulfill his promise – Amit Mishra
Baith & Bol Ep 009 is releasing today 6 P.M. on Youtube. Facebook. Spotify #Baithandbol #AmitMishra #Cricket https://t.co/ndE4zjIVIu
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 23, 2026
Amit Mishra’s Final International Appearance Came in 2017
The T20I against England in February 2017 proved to be Mishra’s final international appearance for India. His career included 22 Test matches, 36 ODIs and 10 T20Is, making him an experienced option across all three formats.
One of his most memorable performances came during India’s 2016 ODI series against New Zealand. Mishra claimed 15 wickets across the five-match series and earned the Player of the Series award.
His career also included important contributions in Test cricket and the IPL. However, the injury and subsequent absence from India’s plans meant that he did not add to his international appearances after 2017.
Mishra Says He Has Moved On
Although the experience remained a source of disappointment, Mishra indicated that he has moved on from that period of his career.
His comments have brought renewed attention to the challenges experienced by players trying to return from injury and the uncertainty that can surround selection decisions. For Mishra, the central issue was the absence of a clear answer about his future with India.
The former spinner’s account has also sparked discussion among cricket followers about communication between players and team leadership. However, the full circumstances behind his non-selection cannot be established from his comments alone.
FAQs
What did Amit Mishra say about Virat Kohli?
Mishra claimed that Kohli assured him he could return to the Indian team after regaining fitness but later did not respond to his calls or messages seeking an update.
When did Amit Mishra last play for India?
His final international appearance came in a T20I against England in February 2017.
Who was India’s head coach when Mishra was injured?
Anil Kumble was India’s head coach when Mishra sustained the injury. According to the account he shared on Aakash Chopra’s podcast.
Where did Amit Mishra share these revelations?
He discussed the episode on Baith & Bol, a podcast hosted by former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra.
