Former Indian batsman Wasim Jaffer on Wednesday (20th February) has admitted that he is on the final leg of an illustrious career, but if Vidarbha is still willing for his services, he would play one more season for the side.
The 41-year-old, who worked extra hard on the fitness that helped him bat at length despite his age, further revealed that he had offered his services free of cost but no state team was willing to avail it before Vidarbha agreed for the same.
Jaffer, who last played for India over a decade ago but continued to serve domestic cricket, started his cricketing career with Mumbai in 1996, but limited opportunities in the high-profile state team with youngsters coming up fast, he decided to shift base to Vidarbha in the 2015-16 season and the stylish top-order batsman feels lucky that Vidarbha took him as a professional.
As per reports in TNN, Jaffer said, “In 2014-15, when I decided to quit, the Mumbai selectors were not keen to pick me. But I did manage to convince them and emerged as the highest run-getter in Vijay Hazare. But I was ruled out of the entire season after breaking my finger in the first match against Jammu & Kashmir. I felt that that I shouldn't get in the way of a youngster and decided to move on.”
He continued, “I played for Vidarbha for two seasons. But they were not willing to renew my contract. I was willing to play for free. I spoke to a lot of states, including Kerala. However, they refused. But when Mumbai removed Chandrakant Pandit as coach and Vidarbha signed him up, I told him that I was interested in playing for Vidarbha - even if it was for free. He spoke to Prashant Vaidya, and they agreed. I was lucky that Vidarbha took me as a professional, and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Meanwhile, Jaffer has a few recommendations for Mumbai to improve the dilemma of the side. He said, “You need to give a coach at least a two-year term. And you need to give him the freedom otherwise it's not fair to question him. It's not fair to blame the selectors too. It's not just the senior team, but all the other age group Mumbai teams have performed poorly this season. Somewhere down the line, Mumbai needs to restructure its club cricket.”
On his career, the veteran cricketer said that he might play another season for Vidarbha if Pandit would continue at the helm of the stateside.
Jaffer signed off by saying, “I'm on my last legs, but I'm enjoying my cricket. If Pandit stays on at Vidarbha, I'd love to play another season for them.”
(With TNN Inputs)
