Amit Mishra Deserved India Test Recall, Says Narendra Hirwani

Leg-spinner Amit Mishra's inclusion in the 15-member Test squad for three-match series in Sri Lanka next month has drawn mixed reactions from the cricket fraternity. Mishra returned to the Test fold after four years.

While former India pacer Ajit Agarkar slammed Mishra's inclusion in the team, former India leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani, who has mentored Mishra over the last few years, hailed the 32-year-old's Test recall.

"It is a very good decision to recall Amit. He deserves this call-up. I am very happy for him," Hirwani told mid-day.

Mishra last played a Test match against England at the Oval in 2011. He was wicketless in the match as he gave away 170 runs in his 38 overs.

Hirwani's advice to Mishra is more about 'attitude rather than technical'. "I kept telling him, getting picked for India is not in your hands. What is in your hand is a ball and you should be improving all the time. You must think about excellence and remember pressure is something you bring on to yourself so cut out all those negative thoughts," Hirwani added. (Mishra's Five Career Highlights)

Injury to fellow leg-spinner Karn Sharma and the spin-conducive nature of the pitches in Sri Lanka combined to facilitate Mishra's recall to the side. Chief selector Sandeep Patil backed his decision to throw another lifeline at Mishra.

"Amit Mishra was always in our scheme of things... looking at conditions, we have picked him for Sri Lanka tour," Sandeep Patil had said.

The Delhi spinner is confident of a good show in the island nation. "I am always confident about myself when I bowl well. I am in good form and performing well, so I am confident. But yes, what is important is to adapt to the conditions quickly," he said.

He has played 13 Tests, 27 ODIs and seven T20Is since his international debut in 2003.