Mohammad Kaif Reckons Indian Team Still Missing A 'Complete Package' When It Comes To Fielding

It is fair to say that the duo of Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh revolutionized Indian fielding at the turn of the 21st century. The sight of both Kaif and Yuvraj saving crucial runs by putting their body on the line or taking unreal catches, while fielding at their traditional positions- point and covers- used to be a sight to behold for any Indian fan.

But it wasn’t as if Kaif and Yuvraj were only brilliant at a designated position. The duo were a complete package when it came to fielding. They could affect a run-out from the deep and could take blinders at short-leg, silly-point, or any other position on a cricket field.

After Kaif and Yuvraj, Indian cricket has been blessed with a plethora of brilliant fielders like Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, and of-course Ravindra Jadeja. But according to Mohammad Kaif, the Indian team still lacks an all-round package when it comes to fielding.

“A great batsman is a complete package. He can play cut, hook, pull, inswing delivery, a bouncer, hit a six… it is same with fielding. Similarly, a fielder is a complete package when you know how to slide, when you throw directly at the wickets, when you can run fast, when your hands make a proper shape to hold the ball – if you do all these things right, then you become a complete fielder,” Kaif said during an interaction with Youtube channel Sportscreen.

He added: “Me and Yuvraj made our names through our fielding. You can find several good fielders in the Indian cricket team now. They have improved a lot. But no one has been able to become a complete package in fielding. A player who can take catch at slips, take catch at short leg, field well at long on – that package is currently missing,”

Also Read: Mohammad Kaif Hails Yuvraj Singh’s 58 In The 2000 U-19 WC Semi-Final Against Australia As His Best

Mohammad Kaif heaps high praise on Ravindra Jadeja and the Indian fast bowlers

Ravindra Jadeja is one of the best fielders going around in world cricket in the current era. Heaping praise on the all-rounder, Kaif reckoned that Jadeja is aging like a fine wine when it comes to fielding. He also added that India team needs to work on its slip-fielding.

“But Ravindra Jadeja is quite impressive, he is improving in fielding as he is growing older. We need to work on our slip fielding.”

Kaif also heaped high praise on the Indian fast bowlers for considerable improvement in their fielding.

“But Bumrah, Shami, Ishant – our fast bowlers have really improved in fielding. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma are also good fielders. So, we have improved a lot, but I still feel a complete package of a fielder is missing in the team,” he added.

In the same video, Kaif also picked Rohit Sharma over Virat Kohli on whom would he like to watch if both of them are playing in separate games at the same time.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Or Virat Kohli? Mohammad Kaif Picks His Choice On Whom Would He Like To Watch If They Are Playing In Two Different Games Simultaneously