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It's never too late to keep getting better, says Mayank Mishra

Uttarakhand spinner Mayank Mishra is proving that late bloomers can still carve out a niche in professional cricket. After initially working as a coach and only returning to playing when his state received BCCI affiliation, Mishra delivered a standout Ranji Trophy campaign in 2025-26, finishing as the tournament’s second-leading wicket-taker with 59 scalps in eight matches.

His economy of 2.77 and strike rate of 38.23 underscored his ability to stifle batsmen, including a career-best six wickets for 84 runs. Despite his strong numbers, Mishra was overlooked for the Duleep Trophy squad, a setback that has only fueled his determination to refine his craft further.

His success in England’s Premier League—where he was the top wicket-taker over the past two seasons—has honed his ability to bowl long spells and adapt his pace, a skill he credits to international exposure. With 184 first-class wickets at an average of 23.35, Mishra remains Uttarakhand’s leading bowler and continues to chase opportunities at the highest level, inspired by left-arm legends like Ravindra Jadeja.

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