Positive mindset and hard work paid off: Mishra

At 32, Amit Mishra seems to have rediscovered his bowling mojo, coinciding with the resurrection of his international career that at one time seemed to have gone off the rails.

The Delhi leg-spinner now believes that his positive approach and some long hours on honing his skills have been duly rewarded by way of a slot in the national side.

At a media interaction here on Wednesday, Mishra, who is a part of the contingent that is undergoing training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here ahead of the home series against South Africa, opined that regardless of whether he was in or out of the Indian team, he never compromised on his work ethic and training regimen.

"I have worked hard on my cricketing skills and fitness in the past few years, and always been positive even when I was out of the Indian team," said Mishra who was recalled to the Indian Test side earlier this summer for the tour of Sri Lanka after a four-year break.

Mishra marked his return by taking 15 wickets in three Tests and scoring 157 runs, including a best of 59 in the crucial final game that helped India clinch the series 2-1.

Mishra also struck an excellent combination with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Between them, the duo took 36 of the 60 wickets that the Indian bowlers snared in the three-Test series.

"Ashwin and I have struck a good combination. We share and exchange tips. If one of us is taking wickets, then the other applies pressure. Also my captains, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have been very encouraging and supporting. So that has really boosted mine and the team morale," said Mishra.

Looking ahead to the T20 and ODI series against the touring South Africans, Mishra, who has been picked in both the squads, opined that it will be a very challenging and tough outing.

"It will be a very challenging series, but we have good T20 and ODI squads. As for the conditions, I wouldn't know until we get to the venues. But whether I make it to the playing eleven or not, I will remain positive," Mishra said.