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candid moments Mohammed Kaif enjoying his lunch

Kaif’s mobile stirs, even the ring tone is muted. He switches it off, as if trying to erase all connections with the past, at least the immediate past, when he discovered how some of his well-wishers suddenly became strangers; how the National selectors became unreachable. This was a new experience for Kaif. “I agree I was not doing well when I was dropped. But I want to know what I need to do so that I remain in the reckoning. Someone has to tell me my shortcomings. How else can I rectify my mistakes?”

Would he like some cold drink? “I won’t mind a lemon-soda, and no ice please,” Kaif is polite as ever.

It was a tough season for the Allahabad-groomed Kaif. He lost his place in the Indian team, struggled to make runs, but led superbly to guide Uttar Pradesh to the Ranji Trophy final. UP lost to Delhi but Kaif stood out for his leadership qualities, raising an army of young warriors who finally realised the importance of playing as a team.

But what went wrong? Kaif, sipping his drink, is honest, “I think I was trying too hard. In trying to prove myself I tried too hard. And that was not my natural game. I made some mistakes but quickly amended my approach. I did feel the pressure because I had never seen such a situation.”

During that distressing period, Kaif, son of former Railway batsman Mohammad Tarif, sought help from a man who had experienced similar challenges early in his career, V.V.S Laxman. But why Laxman? “Because he was dropped when he was doing well and he made a remarkable comeback. He is a big player and I will remain indebted to Laxman for his invaluable help.”

A platter of kababs arrives in a flash. Rakesh knows Kaif’s taste. The delicious kababs are devoured by Kaif, who confesses to being famished. It is late afternoon. “I love kababs. But nothing to beat the biryani my ammi makes at home. And my bhabi (Fauzia) is a great cook. To tell you the truth, my most favourite restaurant is in my house with my mother and bhabi the greatest cooks on earth.” So what did he do to excel with the bat? “I just told myself that I had to relax at the crease.” His face lights up as he talks about this season. “I am happy with the way things have gone. I scored runs (close to 700).” More importantly, Kaif, 27, scored at a rapid pace, two big innings in front of National selectors, who also watched him slam 12 sixes in all. “The pressure to perform forced me to play those big shots,” said Kaif, known to strictly play ground-strokes.

Done with his lunch, Kaif, who claims to have mastered the art of making omelette and tea, is a compulsive vegetarian on foreign tours.

On his future, Kaif, who made his Test debut in 2000, was candid. “I don’t know what the selectors have in mind. I can only perform and pray. Let my bat do the talking,” said Kaif, whose last Test innings was 148 against the West Indies, “I can’t decide my future but I can fight for a pleasant present,” he is obviously determined.

Kaif’s brother, Saif, arrives with a wedding card. “Our sister is getting married (in Allahabad). Please come,” the brothers request. “I will treat you to the best biryani in the world,” Kaif promises. The offer is tempting indeed!

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