Mohammad Kaif turns 38 on this day
Quick, sharp and precise on field, a passionate cricketer who wore his heart on his sleeve, One of the Indian cricket team's most hailed fielders, Mohammed Kaif celebrates his 38th birthday today. During his distinguished career, Kaif was a part of many historic wins and the most famous one of all was the 2002 NatWest Series between India and England.
The 37-year-old Kaif played 13 Tests and 125 ODIs for India and will always be remembered for his match-winning knock of 87 at the Lord's when he led India to victory over England in the NatWest Series.
Kaif announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket this year in July, almost 12 years after he last played for the Indian team in which he stood out as much for his acrobatic fielding as for his effective lower-order batting.
He was a part of the Indian team that reached the World Cup final in South Africa. Along with Yuvraj Singh, Kaif was among the stars to emerge from the U-19 India stable after leading the colts to a maiden junior World Cup triumph in 2000.
Kaif, who has won the Ranji Trophy for UP, last played first-class cricket for Chattisgarh.
During the five years that he was an India regular, it was his electric reflexes inside the 30-yard circle, especially the cover region, that made him special.
Kaif has recently been named assistant coach of IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils for the upcoming 2019 season.
Kaif, who was roped in as a talent scout in the DD set-up, was earlier an assistant coach to Brad Hodge at the Gujarat Lions in the 2017 IPL season. Kaif joins Ricky Ponting and James Hopes in the Daredevils' coaching team.
Here are a few interesting facts about Kaif
- Kaif was born in a Khatana Gurjar family on 1 December 1980 in Allahabad, India.
- His father Mohammad Tarif played for Uttar Pradesh and the Railways.
- Kaif was appointed as the captain of India U-19 side in the year 2000 and led India to win the U-19 2002 World Cup.
- Kaif was inspired by former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who is known for his wristy and attacking batting style besides brilliant fielding skills.
- Kaif played for Uttar Pradesh, Andhra cricket team, Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, India Red, Leicestershire, Rajasthan Cricket Association President’s XI, The Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
- Kaif joined the Indian National Congress and contested 2014 Loksabha election from Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh but lost to Keshav Prasad Maurya of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
- In the year 2015, Kaif moved a step ahead in his career and started commentating for India matches. He is now a renowned Hindi commentator along with RP Singh.
