Mohammad Kaif Debut, Biography, Stats, Net Worth, Wife, IPL Team, Records, Career
Mohammad Kaif is India’s best middle-order batsman and one of the greatest fielders India has ever seen. He is a man who is known for changing the parameters of the game in Indian cricket. From captaining the Under-19 Indian team to winning the World Cup in 2002 and winning the NatWest Final Innings, Kaif’s career is a story of genius.
Let’s take a closer look at Mohammad Kaif’s biography, debut, statistics, records, net worth, IPL career and personal life.
Early Life and Path to Cricket
Mohammad Kaif was born into a family with a strong connection to cricket. His father, Mohammad Tarif, played for Railways and Uttar Pradesh. While his brother, Mohammad Saif, also played for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket.
Kaif’s cricketing career began on the crowded streets of Allahabad, where his love for the game was unquenchable. With hard work and determination, he earned a place in the India Under-19 team and led the team to victory in the 2000 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. And he led a team that included names like Yuvraj Singh and Ajay Ratra.
This victory not only made him popular but also opened doors for the national team.
International Debut and Fame
Test Debut: March 2, 2000 vs South Africa at Bengaluru
ODI Debut: January 24, 2002 vs England at Kanpur
Mohammad Kaif made his Test debut at the age of just 20. His best performance came in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s. Chasing a target of 326 against England, Kaif scored an unbeaten 87 off 75 balls to lead India to a record victory. The sight of Kaif and Yuvraj Singh hugging on the balcony of Lord’s is one of the most enduring images of Indian cricket.
Domestic and IPL Career
Kaif played for Uttar Pradesh and various English county teams and had a long domestic career. His first-class career demonstrated his class and consistency. In the IPL, Kaif was initially selected by Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural season of 2008. Although he did not have much success, his fielding and leadership skills made him a valuable member of the team. He also represented Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore in subsequent seasons.
Mohammad Kaif Net Worth (2025)
- As of 2025, Mohammad Kaif’s net worth is approximately $7 million (₹58 crore).
- His sources of income include:
- Commentary and coaching deals
- Brand endorsements
- League cricket (Legends League, etc.)
- Investments and TV appearances
- Kaif also takes part in cricket-related charity activities and mentorship schemes.
Mohammad Kaif Wife and Family
Mohammed Kaif is married to Pooja Yadav, a Noida resident who works as a journalist. The couple got married in 2011 and have two children. Kaif often posts about his family life on social media, which reveals a lot about his humble personality.
Career Stats
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 13 | 22 | 3 | 624 | 148* | 32.84 | 1548 | 40.31 | 1 | 3 | 64 | 2 | 14 |
| ODIs | 125 | 110 | 24 | 2753 | 111* | 32.01 | 3822 | 72.03 | 2 | 17 | 228 | 9 | 55 |
| FC | 186 | 289 | 24 | 10229 | 202* | 38.60 | – | – | 19 | 59 | – | – | 170 |
| List A | 269 | 248 | 42 | 7763 | 151* | 37.68 | – | – | 6 | 59 | – | – | 125 |
| T20s | 75 | 68 | 11 | 1237 | 70 | 21.70 | 1201 | 102.99 | 0 | 7 | 117 | 26 | 42 |
Bowling
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 13 | 1 | 18 | 4 | 0 | – | – | – | 1.33 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 125 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| FC | 186 | – | 1484 | 715 | 20 | 3/4 | – | 35.75 | 2.89 | 74.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 269 | – | 1166 | 1009 | 33 | 4/23 | 4/23 | 30.57 | 5.19 | 35.3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| T20s | 75 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
- Mohammad Kaif Records and Achievements
- Captain of India’s U-19 World Cup-winning team (2000)
- Hero of the 2002 NatWest Final with a career-best unbeaten 87*
- One of all-time India’s greatest fielders along with Yuvraj Singh
- Cricket over 10,000 runs first-class scoring 19 centuries
- Played in the first IPL-winning side (Rajasthan Royals, 2008)
- Played 13 Tests and 125 ODIs for India
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Playing Style and Legacy
Mohammad Kaif’s batting was based on strong technique, ability to run between the wickets and stamina. His fielding changed Indian cricket, encouraging a generation to take the game seriously.
Kaif’s legacy goes beyond statistics as he is considered one of the trend-setters. Also, his work ethic in the early 2000s is one of the best in Indian cricket.
Conclusion
Mohammad Kaif may not have had the longest career in international cricket. But it is also true that his legacy will always leave a lasting mark on Indian cricket. From becoming a World Cup-winning captain as a young player to writing one of India’s most prestigious ODI victories! Kaif’s career shows how talent, patience and class can make a person great.
He continues to inspire cricket lovers with his wise comments, guidance and love for the game. He is nothing short of a true gentleman cricketer in every way.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. At what time did Mohammad Kaif debut internationally?
Mohammad Kaif represented India in Test cricket against South Africa on March 2, 2000 and also represented India in an ODI against England on January 24, 2002.
Q2. Mohammad Kaif’s highest international score?
Kaif’s highest score in Tests is 148 not out, while his highest score in ODIs is 111 not out.
Q3. How many centuries has Mohammad Kaif hit in ODIs?
Kaif has scored 2 ODI centuries and 17 half-centuries during his career.
Q4. What was Mohammad Kaif’s contribution during the 2002 NatWest Final?
Kaif helped India chase down a target of 326 against England at Lord’s, one of the most famous ODI games in Indian cricket, by scoring 87 runs off 75 balls.
Q5. Which IPL franchises did Mohammad Kaif play for?
Kaif played for Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
