The calmness and the maturity said it all. Mohammed Kaif had just led UP to the Ranji final. At the peak of his batting form, the 27-year-old must be a contented man despite not playing for India since November 2006. But he is not thinking about it at the moment. “I don’t know when I will play for India again. I don’t think about that any more. On the positive side, I think it (being dropped from Indian team) has made me a tougher person. I am a much relaxed man now. I am just enjoying my cricket without worries,” said Kaif.

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.

... contd.