It is a bit harsh on Ashwin and Jadeja, feels Wasim Jaffer

Veteran Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has been a proven performer. The domestic giant missed out on playing two domestic seasons. This year, he made a comeback and played for team Vidarbha. Vidarbha went on to register their maiden title win in the Ranji Trophy. And now, Jaffer is with the same side for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

As per the recent quotes in Telangana Today, Wasim Jaffer spoke at length at how the game has evolved over the years. Speaking about his own fitness, Jaffer mentioned that he feels fit to play and hence, is still playing the game. He noted that it has been a fruitful journey with Vidarbha thus far.

“The passion is still strong. I wanted to make a comeback and I’m enjoying my stint for Vidarbha, especially this season for the kind of cricket we played in Ranji Trophy. It gave me a lot of satisfaction. To see the progress of the players and the team gives me a lot of pleasure. I feel this is the thing I know, to score runs and play. Age is still on my side for coaching and commentary; while I’m still fit, why not keep them going,’’ Wasim Jaffer quoted.

On success being over money

Speaking further on the same note, he remarked that he has never rated money as the paramount factor. He cited that the joy he got after Vidarbha won the Ranji Trophy this year is something that money could never really fetch. He is one of the few cricketers who does not take money as a professional cricketer now.

“To be honest, money has never made my decision making. I don’t enjoy when I charge any money for cricket. Winning is important for me. It gave me a lot of joy than earning money when Vidarbha won the Ranji Trophy for the first time. It was the greatest satisfaction,” said Jaffer.

On IPL changing the face of Indian cricket

Citing the key reason for the evolution of the game, Wasim Jaffer credited the IPL. He remarked that batting skills have drastically improved over the years. The emergence of fearless hitters is because of the IPL. However, he feels that the IPL has brought down the quality of spin bowling. On the other hand, the fast bowling has improved significantly.

Jaffer cited that the Indian colts bowled faster than the Aussie pacers at the ICC U19 World Cup this year. And this in itself is a testimony of how much the game has evolved in India. Furthermore, the infrastructure has also developed a great deal across the country.

“Cricket in India has changed after IPL. The quality of fast bowling has improved. The batting skills have been on a high level and there are aggressive players, thanks to IPL. I would say the spin bowling has probably come down a bit. But overall, Indian cricket is in great shape. The Indian under-19 has done well. India A and Indian teams are so strong,” conceded Wasim Jaffer.

“The fast bowling is very strong and in under-19 the Indian fast bowlers outshone the Australians in a department which we never saw. The fitness levels are amazing. Of course, the infrastructure in some States, like Andhra, Kerala and Vidarbha, have developed tremendously. When I came into the game, they weren’t strong. There were only five or six countries who were strong, but it is different now,” he added.

On Ashwin, Jadeja missing out

The competition to get in to the national side is so high that proven performers like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin are sitting out of the team because selectors feel wrist spinners are more effective in limited overs. Jaffer feels that this is quite harsh on Jadeja and Ashwin since they are proven performers of the game. However, as long as the team is winning, everything is acceptable.

“It is very tough now as we have very good bench strength. I feel players (Ravindra) Jadeja and Ashwin are out as the team management feels the wrist spinners are the best suited for one-dayers now. They are actually giving results. It is a bit harsh on Jadeja and Ashwin as they have been proven performers. But Chahal and Kuldeep are giving results. At the end of the day, a win matters,” said the veteran cricketer.

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