Runs flow aplenty from mature skipper’s bat

This relaxed approach seems to have brought Kaif among runs — he scored 650 runs, including two centuries, from seven Ranji games at an average of 65. “This is the best first-class season for me. I am feeling very good, watching the ball nicely. I am concentrating on my game and leading UP,” he said.

So what kind of changes has he brought to his game to achieve success? “Nothing technically. I have only worked on the mental aspect,” said Kaif.

But initially when he was dropped from the national team, it was not easy for him. “It’s a great feeling when you play for the country. You go to bed at night and feel satisfied that you played for the country. I miss that now. So you can understand how it can be. It was tough. There was disappointment. But thankfully, I am done with that phase. It’s life and I am living it. All I can do now is score runs. The selectors will do the rest,” said Kaif.

Praveen wiser

•Praveen Kumar knows that if he has to retain the all-rounder tag, he needs to improve his batting, notwithstanding his perforamnce as a bowler. He captured eight wickets in the semi-finals, but was out playing reckless shots in both the innings for 11 and 2. “I am working hard in two areas: batting and fitness,” said Kumar.

With one half-century and 28 wickets from five matches this season, it may be difficult for him to find a place in the squad when selectors sit to pick the squad for the tri-series in Australia. “I am not thinking about it at all. Right now my focus is Ranji final,” he said.

He is a wiser man after being part of the Indian team in the ODI series against Pakistan. “I have learnt a lot. I know how to handle pressure now. It’s important to think positive,” said Kumar, who made his ODI debut in the series at Jaipur. Incidentally it was the only match he played.

Kumar was touched by the confidence skipper MS Dhoni showed on him. “I was asked to open the bowling. It was the biggest thing I can ask for. It gave me the confidence,” said the boy from Meerut.

So, how have things changed in Meerut? “Everybody is very happy there. They want me to do well. They have high hopes on me. Meerut is doing well in cricket. There are six guys in the UP team from Meerut,” said Kumar.