Sidelined, Kaif learns from masterclass

For someone whose Test appearances can almost be counted on the fingers of one hand, it comes as a surprise to learn that Mohammed Kaif made...

For someone whose Test appearances can almost be counted on the fingers of one hand, it comes as a surprise to learn that Mohammed Kaif made his debut under Sachin Tendulkar’s captaincy in 1999-2000.

What isn’t surprising, though, is the sheer awe the young player holds the master batsman in. ‘‘When you are a junior, you are crazy about Sachin. He is your role model. Everybody bats like Sachin in schools and other places’’, Kaif says.

Kaif got his break in a one-day tournament in Nairobi 1999. It was, he said, the ‘‘best moment’’

of his life. Though the first few days under Tendulkar’s charge are bit of a blur, Kaif can’t forget the match proper. ‘‘I even batted with him for a while during that match. I mean being on the crease with somebody you have grown up admiring was a moment I will never forget… A special feeling’’, he says with pride.

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Three years down the line at World Cup 2003, in the big game against Pakistan. Kaif shared a key partnership with Tendulkar that helped India win that sparring contest.

And the innings that Tendulkar played in that match is for Kaif one of the best the man has ever played in his 15 years. ‘‘I’d be crazy to call it the best, there have been plenty in both Tests and one-day matches. But just because of the moment, the occasion, India vs Pakistan…An education seeing him from the other end.’’

One of the best things about playing alongside Tendulkar is that you learn a lot from him. ‘‘Oh I can go on about this. The first thing that comes to mind is commitment. The way he approaches a game, prepares for it, is amazing. Whether Bangladesh or Australia, it’s the same. All these little things sets the example for juniors like me.’’

He is, says Kaif, the best example of why the game is always bigger than the individual. ‘‘He’s always looking to improve. He is always there trying to learn more and more.’’

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And always ready to help as well, reasons Kaif, who has benefitted a number of times by the Tendulkar advice. ‘‘You do not have to even ask at times. He may come across to you and speak to you about, say, your feet movement.’’

So what does he feel about joining his idol in the middle on a regular basis in Tests? ‘‘My time will come,’’ Kaif says, enigmatically.