Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has taken an indirect dig at David Warner‘s “perform when it matters” comment, insisting that India were the best team in the 2023 World Cup.
After India lost the World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad, Kaif said that despite the result, India were the best team in the tournament. Speaking to Star Sports, he said: “It is never acceptable that the best team won the World Cup. The Indian team is the best team on paper.”
Warner responded to Kaif’s comment on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday. He said it’s not about who is stronger on paper, but about performing when it matters. “I like MK (Mohammad Kaif) but the thing is, what’s written on paper doesn’t matter,” Warner wrote.
“In the end, you have to perform when it counts.” That’s why they call it the finale. This is an important day and it could go either way, this is sport. 2027 is finally here. ”
I like MK, issue is it does not matter what’s on paper. At the end of the day you need to perform when it matters. That’s why they call it a final. That’s the day that counts and it can go either way, that’s sports. 2027 here we come 👍 https://t.co/DBDOCagG2r
– David Warner (@davidwarner31) 22. November 2023
The comments before and after did not end here. Kaif has now posted on Twitter, maintaining his previous position that India are the best team in the World Cup. He did not respond directly to Warner, but asked Australia to “relax”.
“Fact: It was the day of Australia’s final. They won. They are world champions.” Other facts: Overall, India won 10 matches, lost 11 and won bowlers and batsmen. They were the best team in the tournament. Facts both on paper and on the ground. Relax in Australia,” Kaif wrote.
Facts: It was Australia’s day in final, they won, they are World Cup winners.
More facts: India comprehensively won 10 games, they lost 11th, they had the best bowlers and batters. They were the tournament’s best team.
Both facts, on paper and on field. Relax Australia.– Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) 23. November 2023
India made good progress in the league and World Cup semi-finals, but lost at the final hurdle to Australia, who defeated India in the opening match of the tournament.
India, who batted first, managed to fight to 240 points on a slow surface that improved as the match progressed. Travis Head then caught wind for India, scoring his 100th goal and leading Australia to his sixth World Cup victory.
