Mohammad Kaif is a former Indian cricketer who brought energy, grit, and exceptional fielding to the Indian side in the early 2000s
Born on 1 December 1980 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, Kaif emerged from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most reliable middle-order batters and an outstanding fielder.
His rise began with leading India to victory in the Under‑19 World Cup in 2000, and he soon became a fan favorite for his fearless batting style and athleticism on the field.
Known for his memorable 87 in the NatWest Series Final (2002)* at Lord’s and record‑setting catches—he still holds the record for most catches in a single World Cup match—Kaif represents a transformative era in Indian cricket, especially in fielding standards.
Over the years, he has transitioned gracefully into roles as a coach, commentator, and mentor, continuing to influence the sport. Let’s dive deeper into his life, career, and legacy.
Also Read:Â Virat Kohli Poised for World Cup Heroics, Says Mohammad Kaif
Table of Contents
Mohammad Kaif’s Early Life & Family Background
Mohammad Kaif was born on 1 December 1980 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, into a middle‑class family.
His father, Mohammad Tarif Ansari, played cricket for both the Railways and Uttar Pradesh teams. He has a younger brother, Mohammad Saif, who also played at the domestic level for Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.1
In 2011, Kaif married Pooja Yadav, a journalist based in Noida. The couple has two children: a son named Kabir and a daughter named Eva.
They recently celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary.2
Mohammad Kaif’s Playing Style & Cricketing Journey
Under‑19 Stardom
Kaif first caught attention as captain of the Indian Under‑19 team. Under his leadership, India clinched the Under‑19 World Cup in 2000, a triumph that paved the way for his promotion to the senior national squad.
International Career (2000–2006)
Kaif made his Test debut against South Africa on 2 March 2000 and played his last Test on 30 June 2006 against the West Indies.3
His ODI debut came on 28 January 2002 against England, and his last ODI appearance was on 29 November 2006 versus South Africa.
He was part of the squad that shared the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka and featured in the Indian team that finished as runners‑up in the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
Memorable Performances
One of Kaif’s most iconic innings came during the 2002 NatWest Series Final at Lord’s. Chasing 326, Kaif scored a match-winning 87 off 75 balls*, earning the Man of the Match award and leading India to a historic win.
He earned the Man of the Series award in the Bangladesh ODI series in late 2004 for his consistent batting.
Kaif also holds the distinction of taking the most catches by a fielder in a single World Cup match—a total of four against Sri Lanka during the 2003 World Cup in Johannesburg.4
Also Read:Â Kaif Commends Sarfaraz Khan’s Maiden Test Hundred in IND vs NZ Clash
Domestic & IPL Career
Domestically, Kaif played for Uttar Pradesh from 1998 to 2014, then moved to Andhra (2014–2016) and Chhattisgarh (2016–2018).
He was part of the Rajasthan Royals during the inaugural IPL season in 2008, but was dropped in 2009 due to poor form. He later played for Kings XI Punjab (2010) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (2011–2012).5
Siraj Leads India to Victory!💙 pic.twitter.com/NIhpr5cO3n
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 4, 2025
Retirement & Coaching
Mohammad Kaif officially retired from all formats of cricket on 13 July 2018.
After hanging up his boots, he worked as an assistant coach for Gujarat Lions in IPL 2017 and later for Delhi Capitals in the 2019 and 2020 IPL seasons.
He has also featured in Legends League Cricket, playing for the Manipal Tigers in its first and second seasons.
Career Statistics
Below is a breakdown of Mohammad Kaif’s career stats across formats:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Batting Avg | 100s | 50s | Top Score | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 13 | 624 | 32.84 | 1 | 3 | 148* | 14 |
| ODI | 125 | 2,753 | 32.01 | 2 | 17 | 111* | 55 |
| First Class | 186 | 10,229 | 38.60 | 19 | 59 | 202* | 170 |
| List A | 269 | 7,763 | 37.68 | 6 | 59 | 151* | 125 |
(Career bowling and detailed breakdowns like IPL stats are available but omitted here for brevity)
Mohammad Kaif’s Net Worth & Lifestyle
As of 2025, Mohammad Kaif’s net worth is estimated at $6 million, approximately ₹50 crore.
This wealth reflects his cricket earnings, brand endorsements, coaching, commentary roles, and other ventures.
He has been associated with major brands like Reebok and Pepsi, contributing to his income through endorsements.
Kaif also owns a fleet of cars including an Audi A4, a Honda CRV, and a Honda City, which are estimated to be collectively worth around ₹95 lakh.
FAQs About Mohammad Kaif
1. Who is Mohammad Kaif?
Mohammad Kaif is a former Indian cricketer celebrated for his energetic batting, sharp fielding, and memorable performances in the early 2000s.
2. When was he born and how old is he?
Born on 1 December 1980, he is currently 44 years old (as of 2025).6
3. What are his career highlights?
His standout moments include the Under‑19 World Cup win as captain (2000), the heroic 87 at Lord’s* in the 2002 NatWest Final, and record-setting catches in the 2003 World Cup.
4. When did he retire?
He retired from all forms of cricket on 13 July 2018.
5. What is his net worth?
Estimated at $6 million (around ₹50 crore) as of 2024, from cricket, endorsements, commentary, and coaching.7
6. What does he do now?
Post-retirement, Kaif has worked as a commentator and coach (notably for Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Lions) and continues to play in legends cricket leagues.
7. Tell me about his family.
His father, Mohammad Tarif Ansari, and brother, Mohammad Saif, both have cricketing backgrounds. He is married to Pooja Yadav, with whom he has two children, Kabir and Eva.
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Conclusion
Mohammad Kaif is more than just a former cricketer—he symbolizes the rise of athleticism and fielding excellence in Indian cricket.
From his early days captaining the Under‑19 side to his iconic unbeaten knock at Lord’s, Kaif made a lasting impact on the game.
His smooth transition into coaching and media roles demonstrates his continued passion for cricket.
Whether it’s through mentoring future generations or providing insights as a commentator, Mohammad Kaif’s influence remains strong.
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