“I don’t hate Shubman Gill, but Ruturaj seems like a better choice because he’s scored runs in more difficult circumstances.”
The cricket community was taken aback by veteran Indian spinner Amit Mishra’s frank remarks on YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Unplugged.
Mishra, an IPL player with the Lucknow Super Giants, talked about his experiences with several captains, the incident involving K L Rahul and Sanjeev Goenka, and Shubman Gill’s selection as the T20I captain for the Zimbabwe tour.
Unwanted Under Kohli’s Leadership
Mishra expressed his dissatisfaction with Virat Kohli, saying that despite his repeated questions, he never got a clear response regarding his position on the squad.
Being well-liked is important when choosing a team. More than being a good cricket player is required. The captain always selects the playing eleven. I got on well with M S Dhoni. I asked Kohli (the person who selected me) twice, and each time, he told me that I didn’t fit the combo,’ Mishra remarked.
Mishra approached Kohli and inquired about his position in the team during an IPL matchup between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Indian team. The seasoned spinner said Virat never followed his pledge to contact management for a response.
He compared this experience to Dhoni, who was always transparent and would explain his choices. Mishra believed that under Kohli, deciding a side was heavily influenced by one’s popularity.
The last IPL match we played was against RCB. I requested that he provide a detailed overview of my work. He said, “Mishy bhai, I’ll ask and let you know.”‘
“Virat Kohli supported me throughout my 2016 comeback series against Sri Lanka.” I was doing well because India needed a leg-spinner who could bowl in Sri Lanka. When I got back, he remarked, “You will start working out with me today.”
“I told him I could run and do anything else you wanted to do, but I can’t lift weights like you can,” I asked him again after being hurt, but I did not receive a satisfactory response. I sent him a message. After reading the text, he promised to let you know, but he never did.
Goenka: ‘Not a Huge Deal’ Outburst
Mishra played down the public reprimand of LSG Captain K L Rahul by Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjeev Goenka.
Although he understood Goenka was disappointed at the team’s performance, he thought the media had exaggerated the situation.
“He (Goenka) felt let down.” We suffered two heartbreaking losses in a row. We lost about 90–100 runs against KKR, and the game was gone in 10 overs against SRH. We were bowling them like we were in a net practice.
“Will someone who has contributed money to the team not feel angry if I am so furious about it?” It wasn’t very important. However, I found out later that he claimed the squad should have shown more fight and that the bowling was terrible.
You appeared to have given up all control. But the public and media overhyped it a little.
Gill’s Ascent and Rahul’s Leadership
Mishra questioned K L Rahul’s ability to lead the Lucknow Super Giants in the long run and suggested the team search for a more suitable replacement.
Whether he is on the Indian team is irrelevant. However, the skipper should have the appropriate mindset for Twenty20 cricket. The team’s player should serve as captain. Mishra said, “I’m sure LSG will search for a better captain.”
In addition, he expressed doubts about the choice of Shubman Gill to head India in Twenty20 international cricket against Zimbabwe, arguing that Gill needed more requisite qualities.
“Mai Shubman ko captain nahi banaunga, kyonki maine IPL mein dekha. He doesn’t know how to become a captain; all of us captains have no concept of what a captain is. (I never would have appointed him captain. Mishra remarked, “You saw the IPL this season? Shubman Gill is clueless when it comes to captaining the side.”
“He shouldn’t be named captain of the Indian team just because he plays for them.” Over the past few IPL seasons, Shubman Gill has performed admirably and well for the Indian squad. He said, “The Indian team elected him captain in order to provide him with leadership experience, which wasn’t evident when he led Gujarat Titans in the IPL.”
“India can be led in Twenty20 Internationals by Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.” When questioned about the rationale behind Shubman Gill’s elevation, he stated, “At this time, the BCCI is only looking to assess all options.”
“I like Shubman Gill too, so I’m not a Shubman Gill hater.” However, I believe Ruturaj is better because he has scored runs in more difficult circumstances, such as while playing for the Asian Games or the Chennai Super Kings. Like Yashasvi Jaiswal was with the Indian team at the T20 World Cup, he is a good alternative and should be retained with the squad.
“He is a capable player in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.” Who among the squad maintains composure, which is the most crucial factor? He rarely plays dangerous shots. Ruturaj ought to choose a capable manager (for social media PR).
His argument with Pathan Irfan
Mishra thought back to their 2022 social media argument with Irfan Pathan on adhering to the Constitution.
Mishra insisted that he talked honestly and that abiding by the law will always come first.
It was the first book that was adhered to. That is correct. Even though I was mistreated a lot, I was also showered with love—much more than I was mistreated. But my words were genuine.
“Why not in India if you observe the rules in ten other countries that you travel to?” India is a nation with laws and regulations as well; abide by them. What’s the issue? Go if you’re having trouble.
These days, Mishra avoids close contact with Irfan Pathan, simply exchanging handshakes rather than embraces.
“I keep my distance.” Relationships remain how they are with me. My close pals are the ones I adore most. Commercial people are commercial people. “Those who are close.”
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