Sachin Tendulkar Hails Mohammad Kaif for Choosing the Perfect Day to Retire

Arguably the greatest fielder ever to have played for the Indian national team, Mohammad Kaif decided to retire from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. He chose to retire on 13^th July especially given the fact that this particular date has a great significance in his career. On this very day, 16 years ago, he came into the limelight with a stunning match-winning knock n the final of the Natwest Trophy at the Mecca of Cricket, Lord’s.

India was set a huge target of 326 to chase. Nowadays the target is achievable. However 16 years ago it wasn’t the case. Anything over 300 was considered a match-winning total. Hence England had won half the battle when they had scored a mammoth total. However, the Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly kept India in the game with some exceptional strokeplay. The duo shared a partnership of more than 100 runs.

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However, the English bowlers came strongly to bag 5 wickets in no time. It was horrendous shots from the Indian batters which resulted in them giving away their wickets consistently. When Sachin Tendulkar was castled on 14, India’s score was just 146. It seemed the match was done and dusted and England would win the trophy.

However, two young guns Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh had other plans. They batted quite brilliantly and shared a sensational stand which helped India claw their way back into the match. In the end, Kaif remained unbeaten on 87 of just 75 deliveries which included 6 fours and a couple of big sixes. He looked in great touch and the celebrations following the victory knew no bounds. There is no doubt about the fact that the Natwest final brought Kaif into the limelight.

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Tendulkar’s message for Kaif 

Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar who was part of that match hailed Kaif for choosing the perfect day to call it quits from all forms of cricket. “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,” he wrote on his Twitter handle.

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