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Thrilled to be recalled to the Test squad, leg-spinner Amit Mishra says his good form is enough motivation for him to do well in the upcoming three-Test series against Sri Lanka.
"You don't need someone's (referring to Pakistan's 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 reporters on the sidelines of the first 'unofficial Test' between India A and Australia A.
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He was, however, dismissive about the pressure of making a comeback into the longer format of the game after a gap of four years. He had last played a Test at the Oval against England in the disastrous summer of 2011.
"I do not want to put unnecessary burden on myself about 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.
"But will see what can be improved. Will try our 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 was all praise for Virat Kohli's captaincy.
"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."
The stint with India A will prove helpful, he felt.
"Of course, this would help us, as Australia A is not a weak team. As you can see their performance, I think we will get the same conditions in Lanka. So this series is a good opportunity for me, for KL (Rahul). And if we perform well here, it'll boost our confidence."
The portly Haryana leggie said though he was too desperate for a comeback, 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’m here to perform and enjoy the game."