Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra has spoken publicly about a dark period in his career. He revealed that he struggled with depression after losing his place in the national team. Mishra said the disappointment of being dropped pushed him into an emotionally difficult phase that lasted for more than a year.
He made these comments during a candid conversation with former India opener and cricket commentator Aakash Chopra.
Amit Mishra on Depression: "I Had Nobody to Talk To"
Mishra described the loneliness he felt during that time. Even though he had reached the milestone of playing for India, his career soon hit several setbacks. He struggled to regain his form and his spot in the team.
"I went into depression for a year and a half. I kept thin..." — Amit Mishra, in conversation with Aakash Chopra
The former cricketer said he had nobody to talk to during this phase. His words show how the pressure of losing a place in the team affected him beyond the field.
Why This Matters for Indian Cricket
Mishra made his ODI debut in 2003. His story shows that even players who reach the top level can face serious mental health struggles when their careers take a downturn.
- Mishra's depression lasted more than a year and a half after he lost his team place
- He spoke about having nobody to talk to during that period
- His career faced several setbacks that made it hard to return to form
- He shared these details openly in a conversation with Aakash Chopra
Our Take: Mental Health in Cricket Needs More Open Talk
In our view, Mishra's revelation is important because it breaks the silence around mental health in Indian cricket. Players are often expected to stay strong and say nothing when they are dropped or sidelined. Mishra's honesty shows that being left out of the team is not just a professional setback — it can seriously affect a person's mind.
To put it plainly, the most striking part of his story is the loneliness. He said he had nobody to talk to. That tells us support systems for players need to be stronger, especially when their careers hit a rough patch. Fans and selectors often focus only on performance. Mishra's words remind us that there is a person behind the player.
His story also gives hope. Speaking openly about depression takes courage, and it may help other cricketers — at any level — feel less alone in their own struggles.
