Following his recent retirement from all forms of cricket, veteran Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra has seemingly opened up about perceived issues with Virat Kohli, his former captain. Mishra, who announced his retirement on September 4, 2025, after a career spanning over two decades, didn't hold back in expressing his frustrations.
Mishra has publicly stated that Kohli's behavior changed significantly after assuming the captaincy, alleging that "fame and power" altered Kohli's personality. He suggested that Kohli became less approachable and that their relationship deteriorated to the point where they "almost stopped talking". Mishra, who played under both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, has accused them of favoritism, alleging that certain players were given undue advantages while others, like himself, had to consistently prove their worth. He felt that his talent was often overshadowed by "selection politics and favoritism," which left him constantly struggling for a place in the playing XI.
Mishra has also commented on the infamous spat between Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq during an IPL match, claiming that Kohli initiated the verbal altercation and "abused" not only Naveen but also other players from the Lucknow Super Giants. He questioned whether Naveen-ul-Haq could ever respect Kohli after the incident, especially considering the presence of younger players who witnessed the exchange.
These statements have ignited a significant debate within the cricket community. Some fans and analysts have criticized Mishra for his comments, while others have defended his right to express his views. Some have pointed to Kohli's recent interactions with fans, such as a viral video of him meeting and offering batting tips to young admirers, as evidence contradicting Mishra's claims.
In contrast to Mishra's claims, former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla, who has known Kohli for a long time, stated that Kohli is still the same as he was 10-15 years ago and that his experience with him has always been good. Chawla recounted an incident during the Asia Cup where Kohli invited him to order food, highlighting their camaraderie. Yash Dayal, an RCB pacer, also posted a message expressing his admiration and respect for Kohli amidst the controversy.
Kohli himself has yet to publicly address Mishra's accusations. It remains to be seen whether he will respond to these claims or let them pass. Regardless, the controversy has undoubtedly cast a shadow over Kohli's public image and sparked a discussion about the dynamics between players and captains in the high-pressure world of professional cricket. It's worth noting that Mishra's last appearance for India was in 2017, and he recently retired from all forms of the game. He has hinted at a possible coaching stint in the future.
