One of the main criteria to keep a place in the team is fitness: Amit Mishra

Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra has failed a bit to etch his name as the match – winner’s reputation in the minds of the Indian fans so far in his on and off international career. After an under par outing in the recently concluded Test series, Mishra would now be keen on showing his worth as a limited overs cricketer and thus overcome past failure. Speaking to the Times of India, Mishra opened up on the competition with the youngsters in the side as well as his association with former teammate and now India coach, Anil Kumble.

“As a coach, he (Kumble) is very humble and supportive,” Mishra said. “He is always motivating me to do better. Even during our playing days, I always enjoyed his backing, but given his accomplishments, I was hesitant and scared to open up to him. Now the equation has changed. He is more a friend and mentor now, so I open up to him easily.”

Mishra was inconsistent last year. There were big highs and lows at the same time as well. The most recent example being his performance against New Zealand in the last ODI series India played which fetched the Man of the Series award for him.

However, after again reassuring his quality, Mishra was able to create an impact against England the five-match Test series which saw the rookie off-spinner Jayant Yadav taking his place and cementing his position. The rise of Ravindra Jadeja and the high standard created by Ravichandran Ashwin also has created worries for the 34-year-old leg-spinner.

Also, read – Joe Root likely to miss start of the upcoming ODI leg of India tour

But, it’s not like the Haryana star isn’t concerned about his future and unwilling to fight for his place. He seems to be enjoying the com[petition and is still optimistic of continuing to play a key role for India as. He now turned his focus to his fitness as the first step toward ensuring his longevity.

“Honestly speaking, it is very healthy competition. There is a lot of mutual respect among us. We gel very well and wish well for each other. In fact, when I like something about their game, I ask questions and feed off their knowledge and that has been a two-way process in our team,” he said.

Mishra realises that he has his work cut out to retain his place in the ODI side and regain it in other formats of the game and he is certainly making sure that fitness doesn’t become a reason for not being selected.

“One of the biggest lessons of the year has been to stay fit and avoid injuries. Given the number of youngsters coming into the team, it becomes difficult to make a comeback from injuries. One of the main criteria to keep a place in the team is fitness. (So) I have changed my diet and lifestyle and lost weight. I have stopped eating rotis and completely cut out carbs,” Mishra said.