Wasim Jaffer terms Cricket as bread and butter of his life

Despite failures and injuries in the past seasons, the Ranji Run Machine Wasim Jaffer has been a top notch player for Vidarbha this time around. His efforts helped his team clinch their maiden Ranji Trophy title. After playing for Mumbai for many years, Jaffer got transferred to Vidarbha in 2015. He missed the last season due to injuries but made a wonderful comeback this season, scoring 595 runs at an average of 54.09 with one century and three half-centuries.

The 39-year-old recently called the game “bread and butter of his life”.  After winning the final against Delhi, he shared his Ranji Trophy triumph experience to the media. The former Indian opener believes that he took the right decision by opting to play for Vidarbha.

Jaffer’s comment on his coach

As reported by The Hindu, Jaffer said, “Playing for India is not the be all and end all….I had been there and done it. I just wanted to continue playing. I wanted to stay fit, face fresh challenges and do my bit for other teams. It also helped me to make some money. I don’t do anything other than play cricket. That’s why I go to UK every year with my family.”

The Vidarbha right-hand batsman praised his team coach for his efforts and said, “They were happy winning at home and fine with it. When they lost ‘away’ matches, I don’t think they were hurt. It’s here that Chandu (Pandit) played the decisive role. He took them out of the comfort zone and pushed them hard. He did not praise them enough, but criticised them. Two years ago, I found out that when the match was in a 50-50 situation, they did not really go for it and show the killer-instinct. Chandu changed their attitude completely. Vidarbha needed someone like Chandu.”

Jaffer talks about Pandit’s involvement

Jaffer recalled his Mumbai Ranji Trophy victories and said, “Pandit did not form any committees within the team. But here we had committees for entertainment, travel, food etc. This helped in team bonding. Chandu also changed room partners to prevent players forming groups. This was one way he took them out of the comfort zone and pushed them really hard.”

Jaffer concluded by saying he believed that his coach has instilled the attitude in the team which will help Vidarbha  look for more success at all levels.

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