Mohammad Kaif Biography: Early Life, Cricket Career, Stats, Wife, Coaching, Politics, Commentary
Mohammad Kaif is a renowned former Indian cricketer, commentator and coach. When it comes to the best fielder Indian cricket has seen, Mohd Kaif is one of the first names on the list.
| Birth Date | 1 December 1980 |
| City | Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh |
| Siblings | M Saif (Brother) |
| Father | M Tarif |
| Teams Played For | India, California Knights, Gloucestershire, India Maharajas, Kings XI Punjab, Leicestershire, Manipal Tigers, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Uttar Pradesh |
Early Life
Mohammad Kaif hails from Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh. He was born to M Tarif, a professional cricketer who played for Uttar Pradesh and Railways. Like Kaif, his brother Mohammad Saif is a professional cricketer who has played for the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh cricket teams. Coming from a family with a cricket background, Kaif was drawn to the sport at an early age.
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Cricket Career
Mohammad Kaif was a great talent and was always touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket. He got his first break early, in the U-19 Cricket World Cup in 2000. He led India Colts to a World Cup win in the tournament and was fast-tracked into the national team.
Kaif got his Test debut cap in March 2000 against South Africa and debuted in ODI cricket in January 2002. Kaif represented India in 13 Tests and 125 ODIs in his successful India career.
Kaif featured in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The highlight of his cricketing career was a record partnership alongside Yuvraj Singh in the 2002 NatWest Trophy tri-series final against England as he helped India chase down a mammoth 326 with 87* (off 75 balls).
Cricket Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 100s | 50s |
| Tests | 13 | 624 | 148* | 32.84 | 1 | 3 |
| ODIs | 125 | 2753 | 111* | 32.01 | 2 | 17 |
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Personal Life
Mohammad Kaif is married to Pooja Yadav, a journalist by profession. They met in 2007 at a party through mutual friends. After a relationship of 4 years, they tied the knot in 2011 in a private ceremony. The couple has two children.
Coaching
Mohammad Kaif has been seen taking up several coaching roles in recent years. A natural thinker and leader, he has helped IPL teams like Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) in a coaching role.
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Commentary
Commentary is another role that keeps Mohammad Kaif involved deeply in the sport. He has been entertaining cricket fans with insightful commentary stints during International and domestic matches.
Politics
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif forayed into politics for a brief period. In 2014, the cricketer contested in the Lok Sabha polls from Phulpur, Uttar Pradesh, on a Congress ticket but was unsuccessful.
Mohammad Kaif remains one of the most celebrated figures in the Indian cricket fraternity and an admired athlete in India.
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