Unity was key: Kaif

UP captain Mohammed Kaif claimed that victory in the Ranji Trophy final will inspire other youngsters of the State to aim high in their lives. “It's a new beginning for State cricket and our win here will boost the confidence of our youngsters," said Kaif after collecting the winners’ purse of Rs 7 lakh.

"It was a team effort and our unity made the difference in the end," said Kaif, adding, "We didn't have a good beginning, but we played like a unit and that's the key to our success.

"Before coming into the final we had certain plans, and we wanted to make it big this time."

He admitted that since he taken over the reins of the UP team after being dropped from Pakistan-bound Indian Test squad, "the team turned into a winning force".