Kaif gets the break at the right time
Mohammed Kaif, adjudged the player of the tournament in the Challenger Trophy at Ahmedabad, is a picture of confidence as he prepares for the golden oppertunity that's come his way - the Board President's XI against South Africa
Natarajan Sriram
16-Feb-2000
Mohammed Kaif, adjudged the player of the tournament in the Challenger
Trophy at Ahmedabad, is a picture of confidence as he prepares for the
golden oppertunity that's come his way - the Board President's XI
against South Africa. Speaking to an Indian newspaper, Kaif has said
that he has given off his best when the team is under pressure, adding
that a good innings under pressure always enhances one's confidence.
The India under-19 team captain is riding high backed by the World Cup
triumph in Sri Lanka and his two good performances in the Challenger
Trophy. His exploits this season have not gone unnoticed. Apart from
his selection for the Mumbai game, he has come in for high praise from
Saurav Ganguly, the Indian vice captain, who has said that he would
not be surprised if Kaif finds a place in the 14 for the Test
squad. He also added that Kaif has availed of the opportunities that
have come his way.
The 19-year-old right hand batsman, hailing from Allahabad, has
enjoyed a good run this season while playing for Uttar Pradesh. He has
averaged 65 from three matches in the Ranji Trophy season with a
century under his belt. Though he had no big scores to his credit as a
batsman in the World Cup, he marshalled his troops with aplomb to
bring the title to India.
But his talent really bloomed in the recently concluded Challenger
Trophy at Ahmedabad. Selected to play for the India B he rose to the
occasion with a strokefilled 90 against the India Seniors. The next
day he came up with a splendid 93 against India A.
Kaif also bowls off spinners. He did get ample opportunities in Sri
Lanka to pick up seven wickets with a best of 3 for 29. Though he
generally bats at No 3, he can ideally fit into the No.6 spot in the
Indian team to give the batting the extra depth and also take the
place of the fifth bowler. He has it himself to be a fine utility
player for the country.