Kaif keeps a smile on his face
Mohammad Kaif doesn't hide his disappointment at being dropped from the Indian side for the first Test match against Pakistan
Nagraj Gollapudi
02-Mar-2005
 |
|
Mohammad Kaif doesn't hide his disappointment at being dropped from the Indian side for the first Test match against Pakistan. However, his job, he says, is to keep scoring runs which will feed him the confidence that is required when the big call comes.
On his being dropped from the first Test
I am a little disappointed to be honest. Since I made a comeback in the Test matches, I've done reasonably well. I have been hitting the ball well and I was feeling confident. But these things happen and the selectors know what they are doing. But I keep the smile on my face.
I am a little disappointed to be honest. Since I made a comeback in the Test matches, I've done reasonably well. I have been hitting the ball well and I was feeling confident. But these things happen and the selectors know what they are doing. But I keep the smile on my face.
On what the focus will be during the tour game
I don't think I've to prove much in this game as my domestic form has been quite okay, but all the games are important. And as the captain I know how to set an example for the boys as we've a young bunch of players, who are all looking forward to prove themselves.
I don't think I've to prove much in this game as my domestic form has been quite okay, but all the games are important. And as the captain I know how to set an example for the boys as we've a young bunch of players, who are all looking forward to prove themselves.
On how his young team would set a challenge for the visitors in the tour-opener
As a captain I'm happy that all the young guys have done well on the domestic circuit and as I said they are eager to prove their worth. Since it's just a three-day affair I don't see a result. But we won't be taking this just like a practice match and will make things difficult for Pakistan.
As a captain I'm happy that all the young guys have done well on the domestic circuit and as I said they are eager to prove their worth. Since it's just a three-day affair I don't see a result. But we won't be taking this just like a practice match and will make things difficult for Pakistan.
On how a player adjusts while playing at a high altitude
Players are used to playing at different places and they don't find much of a difference. It's just a case of mental adjustment. Players from the north are used to such conditions and the rest, too, travel across a lot, so it doesn't affect the players.
Players are used to playing at different places and they don't find much of a difference. It's just a case of mental adjustment. Players from the north are used to such conditions and the rest, too, travel across a lot, so it doesn't affect the players.
On whether there should be separate Test and ODI teams
Personally, the kind of confidence I gained facing the Australian bowlers was immense. It relieved a lot of pressure as I was making a combeback after a long gap. About fielding two separate teams, I don't want to comment on that. But my job is only to keep scoring runs, which is my main goal.
Personally, the kind of confidence I gained facing the Australian bowlers was immense. It relieved a lot of pressure as I was making a combeback after a long gap. About fielding two separate teams, I don't want to comment on that. But my job is only to keep scoring runs, which is my main goal.