Birthday wishes pour in for Mohammad Kaif as he turns 38

In July, Kaif officially announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket, almost 12 years after he last represented India during the South Africa tour in 2006.

Image credit: PTI

As Mohammad Kaif turned 38 on Saturday, warm birthday wishes poured in for the former Indian cricketer from across the cricket fraternity. 

From former opener Virender Sehwag to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), all took to their official Twitter handle to wish the former right-hander 'a very happy birthday'.  

"May you follow your dreams. Wish you health, happiness, high jumps and diving around with your children @MohammadKaif . #HappyBirthdayMohammadKaif," Sehwag wrote along with a picture of him with Kaif. 

May you follow your dreams. Wish you health, happiness, high jumps and diving around with your children @MohammadKaif . #HappyBirthdayMohammadKaif pic.twitter.com/oDDhFmFXqB — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 1, 2018

The BCCI, on the other hand,  wished the most destructive batsman of all time a great year ahead. 

"Here's wishing @MohammadKaif a very happy birthday. Have a great year ahead," the country's cricket board wrote. 

Here's wishing @MohammadKaif a very happy birthday. Have a great year ahead pic.twitter.com/Pvosaj80tb — BCCI (@BCCI) December 1, 2018

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan and right-handed batsman Cheteshwar Pujara also extended their greetings to Kaif.  

"Happy birthday @MohammadKaif! Wish you all the happiness and joy this year! God bless," Pujara wrote. 

Happy birthday @MohammadKaif! Wish you all the happiness and joy this year! God bless. — cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) December 1, 2018

Posting a picture of Kaif, Dhawan wished the former Indian batsman all the happiness and joy in the world. 

Happy birthday @MohammadKaif bhai! Here's hoping for an exciting year ahead for you. Wishing you happiness and joy in abundance. pic.twitter.com/0XA2J7XCtK — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) December 1, 2018

Legendary cricketer VVS Laxman also showered his wishes, writing, "May beauty and happiness always surround you. Wish you a very happy Birthday @MohammadKaif !"

May beauty and happiness always surround you. Wish you a very happy Birthday @MohammadKaif ! pic.twitter.com/hqQm4evzE2 — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 1, 2018

In July, Kaif officially announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket, almost 12 years after he last represented the Indian men's national team during the South Africa tour in 2006. 

Kaif appeared in a total of 13 Tests scoring 624 runs and 125 One-Day Internationals amassing 2,753 runs in an international career that spanned six years from 2000 to 2006. 

He led India's Under-19 team to their first-ever World Cup victory in 2000 besides also guiding his home team of Uttar Pradesh as well as Chhattisgarh to their maiden Ranji Trophy titles. 

Kaif also finished with 10,229 runs in 186 first-class matches he played at an average of 38.60.