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13 years and only 33 ODIs, the Mishra matrix

Mishra is, nevertheless, happy to be the leader of his spin-group.

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Amit Mishra is enjoying playing the leader of spin group
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Amit Mishra has always been in Team India's scheme of things ever since Anil Kumble's retirement in 2008. His ability to bowl a good length leg-spin has given confidence to different captains. However, given that he got to play only 20 Tests and 33 One-dayers, since making debut way back in 2003, it's hard to understand what keeps him out of the playing XI more than in it.

Look at any net practice of Team India, this 33-year-old would always be seen around his captain and coach. His advice on the field, as and when he figures in playing eleven, has also been valued by his colleagues. But even then, he has failed to convince successive captains that he can be a first choice spinner.

Mishra is, nevertheless, happy to be the leader of his spin-group. Sharing his thoughts, off and on the field, has become routine for this leggie, who also came with a reputation of good batting skills. At a time when India desperately need someone who could bat down the order to finish games, Mishra's one run in Delhi must have made things difficult for him.

"Yes, I should have chosen my shot at that stage in Delhi's game carefully," Mishra said on the eve of crucial third ODI in Mohali.

"There was an opportunity in the last match. I played a bad shot. Even though I got out, the shot had positive intent behind it. If my shot had gotten the runs it was intended to, it would have helped the team. If that catch hadn't been taken, maybe we would have gone on to win the match with a couple of overs to spare," Mishra's explanation had too many if and buts.

Knowing Mishra of domestic cricket, one would say that he understands the nuances of spin well. He would often be seen mentoring Axar Patel or for that matter part-timer Kedar Yadav in the ongoing series.

"My experience is good. Whenever any young spinner comes and asks me, I offer them tips. I really enjoy helping youngsters," Mishra said.

Born in Delhi, Mishra shifted to Haryana to play most of his Ranji matches. Having spent most of his career under Kumble's shadow, Mishra keeps talking about now Team India's coach in every sentence or other.

"Anil bhai is very helpful," said Mishra when asked what coach told players after the loss in Delhi. "Like I have said before, he doesn't talk a lot about technique, but helps with the mental side of things. When I was not part of Test team (current series), even then he used to tell me how to bowl, what pace I need to bowl on a particular wicket, what field I should bowl to etc," Mishra added.

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