Mohammad Kaif decides to call it a day from competitive cricket

Kaif has played 138 international matches for India including 13 Tests and 125 ODIs with an average of 32.84 and 32.01 respectively. He would always be remembered for his unbeaten match and series winning knock of 87 in the 2002 Natwest series final against England at the home of cricket. He had a 121-run sixth wicket partnership with Yuvraj Singh in the 326 run-chase. Kaif wrote to the acting president CK Khanna and acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary, announcing his retirement.

“I’m writing to you today to announce my retirement from all forms of first-class cricket,” stated Kaif in an email.

Kaif was a part of the squad in the 2003 World Cup final held in South Africa. Kaif was the skipper of the Indian team that won the Under-19 World Cup in 2000 and got a call for the national team due to his performances at this level.

At the domestic level, Kaif won the Ranji Trophy for Uttar Pradesh and last played for Chattisgarh. Mentioning the reason for his retirement, Kaif stated that it was the 16th anniversary of the Natwest series final and expressed how grateful he felt to represent the Indian national cricket team.

“I am taking this decision today as it is has been 16 years now since the Natwest series final and I would like to remember it as I call it a day. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worn the Indian cap and represent my country in 125 ODIs and 13 Tests,” stated Kaif.

Apart from the performance in the Natwest series, Kaif ha also scored a brilliant century against Zimbabwe in the Champions Trophy. Unfortunately, the finals got washed out and India had to share the title with Sri Lanka. He even made a good comeback to the Test side in 2004 against Australia, but eventually failed to hold on to his place due to lack of consistency and his faulty technique.

He never got to play for India post the 2006 South Africa tour, but did show his class at the domestic level leading UP for many years. He finished 7581 first-class runs in 129 matches. Kaif was a part Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and scored 259 runs at a strike rate of 103.6.