Mohammad Kaif reveals reason behind him and Yuvraj Singh failing in Test cricket

Back in early 2000's, Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh were two of best fielders in Team India which was captained by current BCCI President Sourav Ganguly. With presence of senior players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and VVS Laxman in side, Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif mand to cement ir place in ODI setup, making India a strong outfit.  

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Despite impressing fans in ODI setup, both players failed to make ir mark in Test cricket. Recently while speaking to Times of India, Mohammad Kaif spoke about struggle about finding a place in red-ball format and how intense was competition to get into team.

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Mohammad Kaif on why he and Yuvraj Singh failed to find spot in Test cricket 

In his interview, Mohammad Kaif said that Indian team under Sourav Ganguly was full of big players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag and that is why he and Yuvraj Singh could t play many Tests. Mohammad Kaif also said that he got a chance to play against England in Nagpur (in 2006) when someone got in team injured but after that, player got fit and he was dropped again. He furr said that since team was strong and also had players that inspired m, he didn’t get many chances to play. Kaif conceded that Yuvraj Singh was a much better player than him for deserving more opportunities at Test level.

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Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh's international careers

Mohammad Kaif ended up playing just 13 Test matches for India in which he accumulated 624 runs at an aver of just 32.84 with one century to his name. His ODI career record is much better compared to Tests, having accumulated 2753 runs from 125 matches. Mohammad Kaif was instrumental in Team India reaching  final of 2003 World Cup as well as helping team win 2002 Natwest Series final against England at Lords.

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On or hand, Yuvraj Singh had a decorated career in which he won three ICC tournaments. Yuvraj Singh went on to play  304 ODIs for India, scoring 8701 runs. Punjab cricketer was instrumental in India lifting 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 Cricket World Cup. Coming to his Test career, Yuvraj Singh played just 40 matches and scored 1900 runs.

Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh's Natwest Trophy heroics  

2002 Natwest Series final between India and England is one of most memorable matches for Indian cricket fans. Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif were instrumental in helping India snatch victory from jaws of defeat.  duo put on a 121-run partnership after India lost likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and skipper Sourav Ganguly early in innings. While Yuvraj Singh scored 69 runs and could t finish match for India, Kaif stayed at crease till end to guide Men in Blue across finish line. 

(IM: MOHAMMAD KAIF / INSTAGRAM)