Underdog Kaif aims at playing match-winning second innings

“Rahul Gandhi's leadership is similar to that of Saurav Ganguly. Both have clarity of thought and encourage youth.  They believe in teamwork and let others flourish. Yuvi, Bhajji, Sehwag and I—all did well under dada's captaincy.  

Same can be said about Rahul Gandhi,” said Kaif.  He also said that his popularity as a cricketer is helping him connect with voters, especially youth.

“My cricket background is helping me a lot. As a Team India player, people talk about performance, not about your caste or religion. In politics also,  performance matters and that is how you are going to address real issues. I am sure that people will vote for me beyond caste considerations,” claimed Kaif.

Political observers say that Kaif may benefit from a large chunk of over three lakh Muslim voters out of nearly 17 lakh total electors in this constituency.

Expressing faith in Congress ideology, he said that he is in a good team. “I am in a good team in politics. In cricket also, I was in a good team with the likes of players like Ganguly, Dravid and Sachin. Now I am playing a new innings for my country.”

Kaif wants to play an aggressive second innings.  “I will play aggressive. It's a long process and there are no shortcuts. You have to identify your team and work with it.