Runs flow aplenty from mature skipper’s bat

Vadodara, January 7: 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.

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.

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