Mayank Mishra: 59 Ranji Trophy Wickets, No Recognition

Uttarakhand left-arm spinner Mayank Mishra has expressed his disappointment over the lack of recognition following an outstanding Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season in which he claimed 59 wickets in just eight matches. Despite finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker overall and the leading spinner in the competition, the 36-year-old did not find a place in the Duleep Trophy or Irani Cup squads, leaving him questioning what more he needs to do to earn recognition at the highest level.

Mishra’s frustration highlights the challenges faced by domestic cricketers who deliver consistently impressive performances but struggle to attract opportunities beyond their state teams. While Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the previous Ranji Trophy season and attracted attention for a potential India call-up, Mishra’s remarkable achievements with the ball received comparatively little recognition.

The Uttarakhand spinner, however, remains determined to focus on his performances rather than allow the disappointment to derail his ambitions. His journey from working as a cricket coach at Sherwood College in Nainital to becoming one of the most successful bowlers in Domestic Cricket reflects the persistence required to pursue a professional career in the sport.

Mayank Mishra Expresses Frustration Over Lack of Recognition

Mishra did not hide his disappointment when discussing the lack of opportunities that followed his outstanding Ranji Trophy campaign. Taking 59 wickets in eight matches represented a remarkable achievement, particularly for a spinner competing in India’s demanding domestic first-class structure.

However, his performances did not translate into selection for the Duleep Trophy or Irani Cup, leaving the experienced bowler questioning what more he could have done to attract attention from selectors.

“When I don’t find myself anywhere [in Duleep Trophy or other squads] after getting 59 wickets in eight matches… it just made me think that I have to just do the process,” Mishra said after stumps on the second day of Uttarakhand’s ongoing Ranji Trophy match.

The left-arm spinner acknowledged that selection decisions were beyond his control and said he had to concentrate on the aspects of his game he could influence.

“I can only do what’s in my hands. If getting 59 wickets in a season, you won’t get any recognition or you won’t get selected for anything, you don’t think too much after that. I can’t describe it [the disappointment] in words, to be honest.”

His comments underline the emotional challenge of performing consistently at the domestic level without receiving opportunities to progress. For a player who has spent years working towards establishing himself in professional cricket, missing out on representative squads despite such impressive statistics is understandably difficult to accept.

Auqib Nabi’s Breakthrough Highlights the Contrast

The previous Ranji Trophy season produced contrasting experiences for two of its most successful bowlers. Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi finished as the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 60 wickets in 10 matches, while Mishra followed closely with 59 wickets in only eight appearances.

Nabi’s performances attracted widespread attention, with calls for his inclusion in India’s Test setup. He subsequently became part of the national team’s plans and was selected as a replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the Sri Lanka tour. Nabi also made his ODI debut against the West Indies, although his wait for a Test cap continues.

Mishra’s situation has been markedly different. Despite taking only one fewer wicket than Nabi while playing two fewer matches, the Uttarakhand spinner did not receive a place in the Duleep Trophy or Irani Cup squads.

The contrast illustrates how different domestic performances can lead to different opportunities. Nabi’s emergence as a fast bowler attracted attention in a country where pace options are particularly valuable, while Mishra’s achievements as a left-arm spinner have yet to produce comparable recognition.

It is not unusual for selectors to consider several factors beyond wicket totals, including age, playing conditions, role requirements and long-term team plans. Nevertheless, Mishra’s numbers make a compelling case for why he believes his performances deserved greater consideration.

Competition for Places in the Central Zone Squad

The Central Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy included spinners and all-rounders such as Saransh Jain, Harsh Dubey and Zeeshan Ansari. Each had also attracted attention through performances and opportunities at different levels of Indian Cricket.

Saransh Jain made his Test debut in Sri Lanka as a replacement for the injured Washington Sundar, while Harsh Dubey made his ODI debut against Afghanistan at home. Both players have also featured in India A squads, gaining experience in representative cricket.

Their selection opportunities highlight the competitive nature of India’s domestic cricket system. Players must compete not only against opponents on the field but also against other performers seeking recognition in the same positions.

For Mishra, however, the disappointment stems from the belief that his outstanding Ranji Trophy record should have earned him an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in another representative competition.

Mayank Mishra’s Outstanding Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Numbers

Mishra’s statistics from the previous Ranji Trophy season place him among the most productive bowlers in the competition. He claimed 59 wickets in eight matches, finishing just behind Nabi, who collected 60 wickets in 10 games.

The Uttarakhand spinner maintained an impressive bowling average of 17.69, demonstrating his ability to take wickets consistently without conceding excessive runs. He also recorded four five-wicket hauls and four four-wicket hauls during the campaign.

His performances were particularly notable when compared with the leading spinners in the competition. Karnataka’s Shreyas Gopal was the next spinner on the list, finishing with 48 wickets in 10 matches.

Mishra’s tally of 59 wickets was therefore not simply a strong individual return. It was also the highest among spinners in the tournament, strengthening his argument that his performances warranted greater attention.

For a player who did not establish his first-class career until the age of 28, the numbers represented the culmination of years of persistence and hard work.

From Cricket Coach to Ranji Trophy Cricketer at 28

Mishra’s journey into professional cricket was different from that of many players who enter established development pathways during their teenage years. Uttarakhand did not have a Ranji Trophy team until the 2018-19 season, limiting the opportunities available to local cricketers seeking to compete at the first-class level.

Before becoming a Ranji Trophy player, Mishra worked as a cricket coach at Sherwood College in Nainital. He eventually decided to give his playing ambitions another chance after Uttarakhand received affiliation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

That decision proved crucial. Mishra made his Ranji Trophy debut against Bihar at the age of 28, an unusually late starting point for a player who would go on to become one of the competition’s most successful bowlers.

Reflecting on the decision to return to playing cricket, Mishra explained how his circumstances had delayed his professional career.

“I was a coach in Sherwood College about nine years ago,” Mishra said. “Because we didn’t have a team [for Uttarakhand] at the time. But after that when we got the affiliation from the BCCI, I wanted to try [becoming a professional cricketer] at least one more time and I succeeded [playing for Uttarakhand].”

His story demonstrates the importance of opportunities in domestic cricket. Without a state team competing in the Ranji Trophy, Mishra had limited options to establish himself at the first-class level. When that opportunity finally arrived, he made the most of it.

His subsequent performances have established him as a valuable member of Uttarakhand’s setup, although opportunities beyond domestic cricket remain limited.

Playing Club Cricket in England Helped Improve His Bowling

To continue developing his skills and gain experience beyond Indian domestic cricket, Mishra has sought opportunities to play club cricket in England. The experience has helped him refine his variations and learn how to maintain control while bowling longer spells.

The spinner explained that his approach to bowling has evolved through his experiences overseas. Earlier in his career, he relied more heavily on delivering the ball quickly through the air. Playing in England helped him develop a slower style and expand his range of deliveries.

“Before I used to only bowl a bit quicker through the air,” Mishra said. “But since I have been playing in the UK, I also got to learn how to bowl slowly. So, that helps me as well in the domestic circuit.”

His performances in England have also been encouraging. Mishra said he had finished as the highest wicket-taker in the Premier League in England during each of the previous two seasons.

“I have been doing well in the UK as well. In the last two seasons, I was the highest wicket-taker in the Premier League in England. So, I just want to get an opportunity wherever I can. I’m ready for that.”

His willingness to play wherever opportunities arise reflects his determination to continue competing at the highest possible level. Rather than allow selection disappointments to end his ambitions, Mishra has continued looking for ways to improve and showcase his skills.

Ravindra Jadeja and Daniel Vettori Are His Cricketing Idols

Like many left-arm spin-bowling all-rounders in India, Mishra looks up to Ravindra Jadeja, whose ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made him one of the country’s most influential cricketers.

Among overseas players, Mishra considers former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori an important inspiration. Both players are known for their left-arm spin, control and ability to deliver long spells in demanding conditions.

Mishra revealed that he had an opportunity to speak with Jadeja during his time in England. The conversation allowed him to seek advice about the skills required to become a dependable all-round contributor.

“Ravindra Jadeja is one of my idols along with Daniel Vettori. I got a chance to speak to Jadeja in England,” Mishra recalled.

He was particularly interested in understanding how Jadeja maintains his fitness and bowls extended spells while continuing to contribute with the bat.

“I wanted to know how he bowls long spells, how fit he is and how he helps the team both with ball and bat. I want to do the same thing for my team.”

The influence of those players is reflected in Mishra’s growing ambitions as an all-rounder. While bowling remains his strongest skill, his recent performances with the bat suggest he is working to become a more complete player for Uttarakhand.

Five-Wicket Haul Against Tamil Nadu Strengthens His Case

Mishra has continued to produce important performances in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, further demonstrating his value to Uttarakhand. His latest five-wicket haul came against Tamil Nadu, where he troubled the opposition’s batting lineup with his left-arm spin.

His victims included Baba Indrajith, Andre Siddarth C, Tamil Nadu captain R Sai Kishore, S Ajith Ram and centurion Pradosh Ranjan Paul.

The five-wicket performance added to Mishra’s growing list of achievements in domestic cricket. It also demonstrated that his ability to take wickets has continued beyond the previous season in which he collected 59 dismissals.

Mishra also made a useful contribution with the bat during Uttarakhand’s innings. After the team collapsed to 44/6, struggling to cope with left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh, the spinner helped rebuild the innings alongside Avneesh Sudha.

The pair added 66 runs for the seventh wicket, providing some resistance after the top order had fallen apart. Mishra eventually became the final batter dismissed as Uttarakhand were bowled out for 134 in 56.2 overs.

Although the innings did not produce a large total, his gritty 33 off 114 balls demonstrated his willingness to occupy the crease and support his teammates during difficult situations.

Improving Batting Adds More Value to Uttarakhand

Mishra’s contribution with the bat has become another positive aspect of his development. In Uttarakhand’s opening match of the season against Railways, he scored 51 from 155 balls, helping his team post an imposing total of 470 runs.

The innings marked his third first-class half-century and demonstrated his ability to remain at the crease for an extended period. Uttarakhand’s match against Railways eventually ended in a draw.

His improvement with the bat is particularly important because it gives Uttarakhand greater flexibility in constructing its lineup. A lower-order player who can contribute meaningful runs alongside taking wickets provides additional balance to a team.

Uttarakhand head coach Manish Jha highlighted the value of Mishra and fellow left-arm spinner J Suchith, particularly their ability to contribute in both departments.

“If you have No. 6 and No. 7 who can bat as well…and both are left-arm spinners. In Indian cricket, left-arm spinners are suited to these conditions [especially against right-handers]. So apart from bowling, with batting as well Mishra and Suchith bring a lot of value to our set-up,” Jha said.

The coach’s assessment underlines why Mishra remains important to Uttarakhand. His left-arm spin provides a wicket-taking option, while his improving batting gives the team additional depth lower down the order.

Mayank Mishra’s First-Class, List A and T20 Career Numbers

Mishra’s overall record reflects years of consistent contributions across domestic formats. Before the ongoing match, he had taken 179 wickets in 42 first-class games at an average of 23.35, including 10 five-wicket hauls.

He has also taken 10 or more wickets in a first-class match on two occasions, demonstrating his ability to influence games across multiple innings.

His batting record includes 646 runs from 61 innings at an average of 12.66, with three half-centuries. Although his batting numbers remain modest compared with his bowling achievements, his recent performances suggest he is continuing to develop that aspect of his game.

In List A cricket, Mishra has claimed 38 wickets in 32 matches at an average of just over 29. His economy rate of 4.12 runs per over highlights his ability to keep scoring under control in the 50-over format. He has also recorded a four-wicket haul.

With the bat in List A cricket, he has scored 201 runs in 16 innings at an average of 18.27. His highest score is 41 not out, and his strike rate of 103.07 indicates his ability to score quickly when required.

In T20 cricket, Mishra has taken 20 wickets in 19 matches at an average of nearly 22. His best bowling figures are four wickets for six runs, demonstrating his potential to make an impact in the shortest format.

Despite his performances across the three formats, Mishra is yet to secure his maiden Indian Premier League contract.

Can Mayank Mishra Still Earn Recognition at the Highest Level?

Mishra’s career presents a compelling example of perseverance in domestic cricket. He entered first-class cricket later than many of his peers, developed his skills through state-level competition and club cricket in England, and went on to claim 59 wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season.

His disappointment over the lack of recognition is understandable, particularly given the scale of his achievements. Finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker overall and the leading spinner in the competition should place any bowler firmly in the conversation about opportunities at a higher level.

However, selection for representative teams depends on several considerations, including squad balance, role requirements, conditions and the selectors’ broader plans. A strong domestic record does not automatically guarantee selection, even when the statistics are exceptional.

For Mishra, the immediate challenge is to continue delivering performances that make his case difficult to overlook. His recent five-wicket haul against Tamil Nadu and half-century against Railways suggest that he remains motivated to contribute in every possible way.

At 36, a maiden Test call-up would be an unusual achievement, but his ambitions extend beyond a single format or competition. He has made it clear that he is ready to take an opportunity wherever it arises.

His story also raises a wider question about how Indian cricket identifies and rewards domestic performers. If a bowler can take 59 wickets in eight Ranji Trophy matches and still struggle to earn opportunities in representative squads, it is understandable that questions will arise about the pathway from domestic success to national recognition.

For now, Mishra appears determined to focus on what he can control: his bowling, his batting, his fitness and his performances for Uttarakhand. Whether those efforts eventually earn him a place in higher-level squads remains to be seen, but his record has already established him as one of the standout spinners of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.