Mohammad Kaif was born on 1 December 1980 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, into a middle‑class family with strong cricketing roots. His father, Mohammad Tarif, represented Uttar Pradesh and Indian Railways in domestic cricket, which fostered Kaif’s love for the sport early on. His brother, Mohammad Saif, also played First‑Class cricket for Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Kaif grew up in Allahabad and began his cricketing journey playing at Green Park in Kanpur, quickly emerging through local age‑group tournaments. Standing at approximately 5′11″ and weighing around 70 kg, Kaif combined athleticism with natural talent—a foundation that would later serve him both as a batsman and one of India’s most agile fielders.
Known for his fierce work ethic and grounded persona, Kaif is often described as dedicated, humble, and fiercely competitive. He brought calm, resilience, and focus to the field—hallmarks of his playing style. Off the field, Kaif enjoys a simple, disciplined lifestyle. Though he rarely makes headlines for extravagance, his social media indicates interests in fitness and family time.
He’s also known for prioritizing fitness and mobility, which sustained his sharp fielding and running between the wickets. Fellow cricketers, including Yuvraj Singh, regarded him as a “superhero in the field”.
Kaif married Pooja Yadav, a Noida‑based journalist, in March 2011. The couple has two children—a son, Kabir (born February 2012), and a daughter, Eva (born April 2017). The family resides in Allahabad and Kaif keeps his personal life private, sharing occasional glimpses with fans.
His father, Tarif, and mother, Kaisar Jahan, provided strong family support, and Kaif’s close bond with brother Saif reflects their shared cricket upbringing. While he briefly ventured into politics, contesting the 2014 Lok Sabha elections (Phulpur) with the Indian National Congress, he ultimately stepped away after losing.
Kaif began representing Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy in 1998. Rising rapidly, he captained the India U-19 side to ICC U‑19 World Cup victory in 2000—his leadership and composure marking him as a future star.
With Uttar Pradesh, Kaif defined his role as a dependable middle‑order batsman, often anchoring innings and scoring crucial runs. His first‑class career yielded over 10,229 runs at an average of 38.60, with 19 centuries. In 2014, he moved to Andhra Pradesh, and later to Chhattisgarh (2016–2018), continuing to lead and mentor younger talent.
In Ranji Trophy 2005‑06, Kaif captained Uttar Pradesh to their maiden title, cementing his status as a domestic legend.
Kaif debuted for India in Test cricket on 2 March 2000 against South Africa and played his last Test on 30 June 2006 vs West Indies, totaling 13 Tests with 624 runs, averaging 32.84, including a high score of 148†*.
In ODIs, he debuted on 28 January 2002 vs England, playing 125 ODIs, scoring 2,753 runs at 32.01, with a top score of 111*.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s/50s | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 13 | 624 | 32.84 | 1/3 | 148* |
| ODI | 125 | 2,753 | 32.01 | 2/17 | 111* |
Kaif’s international highlight came in the 2002 NatWest Series Final at Lord’s, where he stabilized India’s chase of 326, scoring a measured 87 off 75* and earning his first Man of the Match. In the 2003 World Cup, he took four catches—the most by a fielder in a match.
Despite intermittent Test returns—two fifties against Australia in 2004 and a fighting 91 in Nagpur (2006), and a maiden Test century 148 in West Indies*—he was often on the cusp of selection. After being dropped in late 2006, Kaif’s international career concluded by 2008.
Kaif joined the inaugural IPL in 2008, signed by Rajasthan Royals as an ‘icon’ player for US $685,000. Over two seasons, he scored just 176 runs at 16.00, and was released in 2009.
In 2010, he was bought by Kings XI Punjab for US $250,000, and in 2011 and 2012 moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Across 29 IPL matches, he accumulated 259 runs at 14.39, with a strike rate just over 103 .
Though his IPL numbers were modest, Kaif’s fielding remained standout—his agility and energy boosted teams as both player and mentor.
Kaif’s athleticism defined his career—significant in his fielding, running, and overall physical presence. While injuries aren’t widely publicized, there were bouts of fatigue and minor strains, especially later in his career, impacting his selection.
After being omitted post-2006, Kaif made Test comebacks in 2008 but didn’t play. He shifted focus to fitness and domestic cricket, leading teams like Chhattisgarh until 2018, when he retired following a distinguished 20-year playing career.
Post-retirement, Kaif continues contributing to cricket through coaching roles with Gujarat Lions (2017), Delhi Capitals (2019–2020), and commentary, shaping future generations. His disciplined lifestyle, dedication to fitness, and leadership ensure that his impact, both on and off the field, endures as a benchmark for aspiring cricketers.
