Indian Cricketer Mohammad Kaif announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket today, 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. The 37-year-old Mohammad 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 during the epic NatWest Trophy final in 2002.
“I’m writing to you today to announce my retirement from all forms of first-class cricket,” Mohammad Kaif intimated acting president CK Khanna and acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary in an email. “I am retiring today as it’s been 16 years since the historic NatWest Trophy win in which I was glad to play my part, and I’d like to remember that as I bow out,” he wrote. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have worn the India cap, and to have gone on to play 125 ODIs and 13 Tests for India, and for several other moments.”
Mohammad Kaif will always be remembered as being one of the finest fielders that India has ever produced. 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. Along with Yuvraj Singh at a point, Mohammad Kaif formed the backbone of Indian fielding during the time Sourav Ganguly led the Indian cricketing renaissance.
