Kaif calls form slump toughest phase of life

Dubai, May 31 (UNI) Describing the recent slump in form as the toughest phase of his life, Mohammad Kaif said though he has left the memories of the bad patch behind him but felt hurt at being called the reason for India's poor show.

''Definitely it was the toughest period of my life. The media has been reporting repeatedly that I was not scoring runs. Yes, I did not have big knocks in one dayers, but it hurts when someone says Kaif is the reason for India's bad performance,'' Kaif told- ''Gulf-News'' here.

Kaif said there was nothing unusual about his poor form as every international player goes through such phases. The athletic fielder said he has moved on and was back to his run scoring best.

''I was passing through a bad patch and everybody passes through that. The fact is, I have come back to my run-scoring form and I am doing well. That is what I am looking forward to,'' he said.

''The past is past. I do not like to dwell on past performances, whether they are good or bad,'' he added.

Asserting that skipper Rahul Dravid and coach Greg Chappell were firmly behind him during the period, Kaif said their support kept his spirits high during the tough period when questions were raised over his place in the team.

''The team always backed me. The coach and the captain never ever doubted my skills and were sure I would come back. It gives you pleasure when you get such support from the team management,'' Kaif said.

Kaif also said he was prepared to bat at any position but having balls at his disposal helped him settle down more easily.

''I am not concerned about the batting order. I will bat wherever the team wants me to. Of course, it suits my batting if I get more overs,'' he said.

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