IPL 2022: Wasim Jaffer steps down as Punjab Kings batting coach, makes announcement with a meme

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has stepped down as the batting coach of Punjab Kings. The veteran made the announcement on the eve of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction, and that too in his own style. He posted a hilarious meme featuring Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor.  The comment section got flooded in no time as netizens congratulated Jaffer for his tenure with the franchise.

For the unversed, Jaffer, the first player to feature in 150 Ranji Trophy matches, had joined the then Kings XI Punjab in the year 2019 and worked closely with the support staff till the 2021 season. He had joined forces with Anil Kumble, who is the director of cricket operations and head coach at the franchise.

It has been a pleasure working with Punjab Kings: Wasim Jaffer

Meanwhile, Jaffer, on Thursday (February 10), announced his separation from the franchise with a hilarious meme featuring Ranbir Kapoor from 2016 Bollywood movie ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.’ He also posted a heartfelt message for Anil Kumble and the franchise. “Adios, and thank you @PunjabKingsIPL, it’s been a pleasure. Wishing @anilkumble1074 and the team very best for #IPL2022,” tweeted Jaffer.

Adios, and thank you @PunjabKingsIPL, it's been a pleasure. Wishing @anilkumble1074 and the team very best for #IPL2022 🤗 pic.twitter.com/rDivb0akZp

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 10, 2022

Meanwhile, the Mohali-based franchise has some work to do in the bidding event. The eight existing sides were allowed to make a maximum of four retentions ahead of the auction but the Kings accessed their cards for just two players. They retained Mayank Agarwal and Arshdeep Singh for INR 12 crore and INR 4 crore respectively.

As revealed by Kumble during the retention event, the franchise wanted to retain their ex-skipper KL Rahul but the dasher opted to part ways. He’ll now lead the Lucknow Super Giants, where he fetched a whooping amount of INR 17 crore. Rahul had led the Kings in the last two seasons. Hence, it will be interesting to see who’ll become the team’s next skipper.

Many reckon that the role can be given to Mayank, who has been with the side since 2018. Meanwhile, the IPL 2022 mega auction is a two-day bidding event, which will take place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. A total of 590 players are set to go under the hammer.