By IANS,
Chandigarh : Having missed an opportunity to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) II after he was sent back home from South Africa, middle-order batsman Mohammad Kaif is happy to make a come-back in the third edition with Kings XI Punjab.
Kaif is excited to play along side his friends Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan.
Last year, Rajasthan Royals sent back Kaif and six other players before the start of the tournament. Kaif, who played all the matches in the Royals’ triumphant 2008 campaign, was bought by King’s XI for $250,000 in the IPL-III auction in January.
Kaif, however, has put the past behind him and wants to look ahead.
“It all depends on the franchisee owner who have invested. I cannot say anything on this as it is their right to pick and choose or to drop anybody. But now it is a good opportunity for me and it could also me in making a strong comeback. However, one thing is sure that life does not end after this. If I contribute then it is good, if not then also life goes on,” he said Friday.
Kaif went on to add that he is grateful to Kings XI management for giving him a chance.
“I am also grateful to the team management for giving me a chance to play. It is really great to be a part of team where you have players like Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan on your side. I am under no pressure and I would just try to continue my form in all the matches,” he added.
Kaif said that he is equally comfortable with all the three formats of the game and he is working hard to maintain his fitness.
“I am totally comfortable with all formats of the game. At the end of the day it is the same bat, ball and field and you just need to perform well. My aim is to just enjoy my game irrespective of its format,” he said.
Asked about the difference in captaincy styles of Yuvraj and Kumara Sangakkara, Kaif said: “I cannot differentiate between the captaincy of Yuraj and Sangakkara as I have not played under any of them. Yes, I have played with Yuvraj and I am really happy that I have again got a chance to play with him in the same team.”
Kings XI will take on Delhi Daredevils in their first match of the Saturday under the leadership of the newly appointed captain Sangakara, who replaced Yuvraj earlier this year.