Wasim Jaffer says he will play as long as his fitness permits

Wasim Jaffer, the highest run-scorer in India’s premier domestic tournament, has played nine Ranji Trophy finals and won nine titles, scored the winning runs for Vidarbha as the team created history by winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title in Indore on Monday. Jaffer’s experience was at the forefront of Vidarbha’s success.

His 595 runs at an average of 54 this season was instrumental in the team’s fairytale journey. And all of this at the age of 39. Jaffer is the all-time highest run-getter in the Ranji Trophy with 10,738 runs. And as long as fitness is by his side, even if age is not, he does not plan to abandon the game he has loved for all these years.

Fitness will decide the playing future

“I don’t know anything other than playing cricket. I can do a bit of coaching and commentate but it won’t give me as much of joy. There’s always a lot of time to do all these things. I’ll look to play as long as my fitness allows me. I know there are not many years left in me. But currently, I’m enjoying my cricket,” Jaffer, who moved to Vidarbha three seasons ago after being an integral part of the Mumbai team that has dominated domestic cricket over the years, was quoted as saying by sportstarlive.com.

Average record at the international level

A triple-century in only his second first-class game had him touted as the next big thing in Mumbai cricket and he later went on to captain the side to their 38th and 39th Ranji title. The opening batsman played 31 Test matches for India in which he amassed a total of 1944 runs. He played only two ODIs adding 10 runs to his tally.

Jaffer and new coach Chandrakant Pandit, who has also been a part of successful Mumbai Ranji campaigns as player and coach, made for a terrific partnership to take Vidarbha to glory.