Kaif had a lot of bad luck, but he never was the most gifted/naturally skilled batsman. Very Collingwood like player really. And that wasn't going to cut it for the Indian batting lineup really. Although Kaif had more skill and was easier on the eye than Collingwood is, and didn't have the destructive nature that Collingwood sometimes does.
I do think Kaif should have had a longer run, better choice than Raina, Sharma, etc. With some time and opportunities, he certainly could have been a mainstay in our ODI top order. Someone who stabilises the innings, plays some pretty shots, gets the runs and fields brilliantly.
Other names who were unlucky, in my opinion, are Dinesh Mongia and Murali Kartik. Kartik is the best spinner in India ATM and still not playing, while Mongia was a class act who was never used right. A batsman who bowls on the side being stuck as a number 7 and fifth bowler. How was that ever going to work right? And even then, he did pretty good.