Chennai: He is expectedly happy to have made a comeback into the Test squad but Amit Mishra said that "he does not need" to look at Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah's recent exploits to get a morale booster ahead of three-Test series against Sri Lanka.
"You don't need someone's (referring to Yasir Shah) performance to necessarily boost your confidence. 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," Mishra told media persons on the sidelines of the first 'unofficial Test' between India A and Australia A.
Mishra however was dismissive about pressures of making a comeback into the longer format after a gap of four years. He had last played a Test match at the Oval against England in the disastrous summer of 2011.
Read: I am here to perform and get my place back in the Indian team: Amit Mishra
"I do not want to put unnecessary burden on myself about a good performance. I want to go with a free mind and try to play to my potential. If I have got an opportunity, I will give my best. I am happy with my comeback. Of course, it'll be a tough tour. They are good players of spin bowling, so no doubt it is going to be tough,” he said.
"But will see what can be improved, I’ll try my best. The selectors have always trusted me and they have given me a chance once again, it feels good. I have also added variety in my bowling. I have started varying the pace of my deliveries," Mishra added.
Mishra termed Virat Kohli as a very good captain. "Virat is a good captain. Whether it is ODIs or anything, he will do a good job. He gives you support and always backs his players," he said.
Read: Virat Kohli to play four-day game against Australia A
The stint with India A will prove to be helpful, feels Mishra. "Of course, this would help us as Australia A is not a weak team as you can see from their performance. I think we will get the same conditions in Lanka. So this series is a good opportunity for me and for KL (Rahul). And if we perform well here, it'll boost our confidence," he said.
The portly Haryana leggie however made it clear that even though he wanted a comeback, he was not too desperate but it was there at the back of his mind. "Yes, Sri Lankan series is going to be challenging and that's what we expect as players - to go out and perform well. I was not desperate but it's always there at the back of your mind that you want to play for India. And now, I am here to perform and enjoy the game," Mishra concluded.
