Prakash Mishra

Prakash Mishra, born on 9th January 1979, in the cricket-obsessed lanes of Kanpur, India, was always destined for the sport. As a child, his afternoons were spent on dusty pitches, emulating his idol Kapil Dev, with a bat in one hand and a ball in the other. Mishra’s versatility was apparent from a young age. While his peers often chose between batting and bowling, Prakash embraced every facet of the game, notching up all-round prowess that would define his cricketing life.

His journey from local club matches to the international stage wasn’t without its challenges. The late 1990s saw him navigate the fiercely competitive domestic circuit before making his professional debut in 2001, donning the national colours for the first time. His debut was a display of grit, with a five-wicket haul and a gritty half-century that immediately earmarked him as a promising all-rounder.

Mishra's career is replete with several high points. In the ICC Champions Trophy of 2004, he played a key role in securing victory, both with the bat and ball. However, his defining moment came during the 2007 World Cup, where his composed 75 not out against Australia in the semi-final guided his team into an unforgettable final. He held the distinction of achieving 5000 runs and 250 wickets in ODI cricket by 2010—a testament to his sustained impact.

Famed for his powerful right-hand batting, Mishra's technique was a blend of aggression and watchful patience, perfectly suited to turning games on their head. On the bowling front, his right-arm-fast-medium deliveries were characterised by cunning variations and an ability to bowl economically during crunch moments. His rivalry with Pakistani all-rounder, Umar Khalid, often became the stuff of legends, with each encounter pushing both men to the limits and captivating millions.

One can't narrate Mishra's story without mentioning the historic Eden Gardens Test of 2011. His partnership with the tail-enders to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat exemplified his indomitable spirit and tactical acumen, firmly etching his name in cricketing folklore.

Prakash Mishra retired in 2020, leaving behind not just records and victories, but a legacy of spirit and versatility. His career remains a poignant reminder of the magic that an all-rounder can bring to the game, continually lived through the young cricketers he inspired.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats