'The Best That's Happening In Indian Cricket'

Anyone with some cricketing knowledge asks why he’s not already in the senior team. "Mohammed Kaif is the best that’s happening in Indian cricket," says Sundaram, who’s coached him between 1997 and 1999. "He’s a superb bat, a brilliant fielder and a mean bowler. So, what’s stopping him?" Binny is more detailed: "He has a very sound batting technique, is good against pace bowlers, agile on the field and is an effective spinner." Sharma is positive too: "He’s simply outstanding. It’s time to give him a break."

Seeing Kaif is believing. Quick on his feet, he’s a natural timer of the ball, the hallmark of a good player. Ask Brett Lee, who dented India’s image this Australian summer. On a scorcher of a track in Los Angeles last year, Kaif scored a defiant 38 against Australia A. The ball kept buzzing around his ears, yet he kept his cool. The result was an Indian win and a man of the match award. "Kaif is totally dedicated," says Sundaram. "He’s got an imaginative head on strong shoulders."

Kaif is not the regulation hard hitter. He prefers to play in the V and is strong in his drives. For Uttar Pradesh, he’s batted in all positions from opener to No. 5. "I’d ideally like to bat at No. 3," he says. "But I have enough experience to bat in the middle order." This Ranji season, he’s been giving attention to his bowling too. "I know I’m getting it right," he says. "Wickets have been coming my way regularly." Two years ago, when Krish Srikkanth first spotted him, he called Kaif the "next Azharuddin". The Allahabadi not only resembles the Hyderabadi in appearance but also in the manner he strokes the ball. Move over Laxman, here’s another claimant to Azhar’s mantle.

Strengths : Can bat in any position from opener to No. 5, is a brilliant fielder in any position, and can bowl effective gentle seamers and off-spinners.