CAPE TOWN, March 5: India batsman Mohammad Kaif is hopeful he can transform his poor World Cup form after switching to number four.

Kaif, 22, captain of the victorious under-19 World Cup team in Sri Lanka two years ago, has been moved from his usual position at six.

He entered the World Cup with a reputation as a clinical finisher but managed just 40 runs batting at number six in the first four matches.

However, Kaif then shared a century partnership with Sachin Tendulkar against Pakistan on Saturday to help seal a six wicket victory for India at Centurion.

Kaif scored only 35 runs but his sharp running between the wickets to support Tendulkar proved crucial in the end after he was promoted up the order.

“It is a different ball game,” he said. “Batting at six or seven does not give you much time to build your innings although I have done well there a few times.

“I have always come in at three for my state side. I am more comfortable here. I have played a couple of other World Cups, but in the under-15 and under-19 teams,” Kaif told reporters.

“Although it was only the under-19 tournament earlier, the approach was intense as in this World Cup,” he added.

Kaif emerged as a one-day batsman last year when he lashed 87 not out to haul India to victory chasing 326 in the NatWest final against England at Lord’s.

He followed it up with a match-winning 111 against Zimbabwe at the Champions Trophy last September, also coming in with his team in serious trouble.

Irate fans threw oil at his house in the northern Indian city of Allahabad after India’s poor start to the tournament.

“I just want to forget those things and just focus on my cricket,” he said.—Reuters