Twitterati laud Mohammad Kaif on a successful career

Mohammad Kaif chose a memorable day to call it time on his professional career. The day that brought him in the limelight July 13, the day NatWest Trophy 2002 final was played at the home of cricket Lord’s. Kaif was the chief architect in the Indian team’s historic victory against England chasing a record target of 325. He along with Yuvraj Singh changed the course of the match from a point where it was coming hard at India.

The cricketer who was known for his fielding and on-field partnership with Yuvraj last played an international match in 2006 and since then has been playing first-class cricket. In order to let youngsters take up the spot, he moved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2014-15 and represented Andhra for the next couple of seasons. He then switched to lead Ranji Trophy debutants Chhattisgarh in the 2016-17 season. He was with the team last season as well but more as a mentor than a player.

“I am retiring today as it’s been 16 years since the historic Natwest Trophy win in which I was glad to play my part, and I’d like to remember that as I bow out,” Kaif wrote in a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have worn the India cap, and to have gone on to play 125 ODIs and 13 Tests for India, and for several other moments,” he added.

The 37-year-old played 125 ODIs and 13 Tests for the Indian team along with 186 first-class and 269 List A matches. Kaif has already taken up roles as a commentator and was the assistant coach of the Gujrat Lions franchise in IPL 2016 and 2017. He now wants to focus on his career as a Hindi commentator and explore possibilities of landing a coaching responsibility with a domestic side.

Here is how Twitterati reacted to Kaif’s retirement decision:

Well done on ur career bhaisaab @MohammadKaif you were the one who changed the mind set of the fielding in Indian cricket.even though I would have liked u to stay slightly behind on d 30yard circle bT I knew u had d best intention;) Wish you all d luck for ur future endeavours

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 13, 2018

Just like timing your catches to perfection, timed the retirement perfectly @MohammadKaif . 16 years to the day we conquered Lord's and won the NatWest Trophy. Wish you a very happy and satisfying retired life. pic.twitter.com/Ls7rdqNvdG

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 13, 2018

You've chosen the best day to announce your retirement, @MohammadKaif. Those memories are still fresh in our minds. May Lord bless you with more and more success, just like the one at Lord's back in 2002. My best wishes to you always. pic.twitter.com/4vMeVKjyfy

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 13, 2018

13-07-02 a new era of Indian power cricket began.
13-07-18 the hero of that game retires.
Thanks @MohammadKaif for being a great friend and a loyal lover of this game which connects us all.
Wishing you all the happiness and success in life ahead.
Good luck.
Bhai shab 😘 pic.twitter.com/UvQke0lYam

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 13, 2018

Congratulations, @MohammadKaif on a career you can be proud of. Gave us many nice moments and will always remember the NatWest final of 2002. Go well, enjoy time with your lovely family,, and look forward to working together.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 13, 2018

A great day to hang up your boots as the Indian won the historic NatWest series on this day. It was a pleasure for me and other team mates to play under your captaincy for Uttar Pradesh. Congratulations on a glittering career @MohammadKaif. pic.twitter.com/LnOXe4mjAV

— R P Singh (@rpsingh) July 13, 2018

@MohammadKaif Bhai we have shared such amazing memories together. You have been my brother, team player and my mentor. I’m sure you will achieve great heights in your career further. I wish you all the success ahead!!! Cheers brother to a new beginning! 🙌 https://t.co/I3LrosqmhY

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) July 13, 2018

I’m sure it will get a mention tomorrow…

— Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) July 13, 2018

Well done bhaisaab on a superb career..always enjoyed ur company on and off the field…wish u even better 2nd innings..@MohammadKaif

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) July 13, 2018

Congratulations on a fantastic career Kaif. You can be very proud of your efforts and my best wishes to you and your family 🙏🏻

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 13, 2018

"Mohammad Kaif" You will be missed. Childhood favorite. Best fielder in the world 😘 @MohammadKaif

— Prince (@akshaysborate) July 13, 2018

Congratulations @MohammadKaif bhai on your cricket career. You have been a role model for many. All the best for the journey ahead. https://t.co/cbpnBifa2b

— Parvinder Awana (@ParvinderAwana) July 13, 2018

@MohammadKaif congratulations bro. On your superb career!! Your energy on the field n running between the wickets will be always an example for the youngsters !! Good luck for new life !! Have a great time ahead !!

— rohit jhalani (@rohitjhalani01) July 13, 2018

Congratulations on a fantastic career champ , you create so many memories to remember . Wishing you a happy life post retirement Now full time for #Kaifsyrup .

— Prabhudayal loyal (@loyal_pd) July 13, 2018

You were the best fielder. You made fielding looks so easy. No cricket fan can forget NatWest trophy final and your innings.Will miss your cricket. Best Wishes..

— Sandesh Sarraf (@sandeshshroff) July 13, 2018

@MohammadKaif Cricket and its fans will never forget your contribution towards the game, Sir. You will be missed in competitive cricket. Happy retirement Sir……..

— Puspita Dey (@Puspita_Dey07) July 13, 2018

You revolutionised fielding in Indian Cricket and set some seriously high standards. All the best for your next innings !

— Mayuresh Shingore (@mshingore) July 13, 2018

Can’t forget the catches you took no. 11, and of course the NatWest final. Good luck ahead! 🙂

— Arif Khan (@arifkhan7) July 13, 2018

One of my most favourite cricketer, @MohammadKaif retired today.. still watch his fielding videos on youtube and he will always remain the BEST fileders india has ever produced..

Another one of the Ganguly era retires.. childhood almost over for me!

— Anubhav. (@EyeAnubhav) July 13, 2018

I will not even forget his contribution in 2003 world cup semifinal against new Zealand .
He was always awesome against new Zealand

— abhishek raghuvanshi (@abhishekraghu47) July 13, 2018

@MohammadKaif congratulations for a fantastic career. You will always be remembered as one of the greatest fielders in indian team. All the best for future endeavours.#MohammadKaif

— Bhaskar Raju (@bhaskarraju45) July 13, 2018

@MohammadKaif the fact is you are retiring from playing cricket only. You can't go away from game and we know you will be back in some new role. Better would be India's team management part.& thanks for that moment that redefined Indian cricket.& setting new standards of fielding

— mayank (@yomaddyboy) July 13, 2018