Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has been appointed head coach of the Uttarakhand cricket team for the upcoming domestic season.

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Jaffer, the highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy history, announced his retirement from professional cricket in March this year after playing for over two decades.

“I am becoming the head coach of any team for the first time. It is very challenging and something new for me, straightaway after my playing career and I’m looking forward to it,” Jaffer told PTI.

“This is a new team, they have done well. They played the quarterfinals (of the Ranji Trophy in 2018-19 season) against Vidarbha. But they have gone back to Group D (Plate group), so it is going to be a big challenge. I am happy that I am starting from the bottom and for me, it is going to be a good experience,” he further said.

During his playing days with Mumbai and Vidarbha, many youngsters were benefitted from his guidance and the 42-year-old Jaffer is now is looking forward to turn things around for Uttarakhand.

“I have heard that a lot of talented players are coming from there. I am hoping to turn them into good players and (Uttarakhand) as a good team,” he said.

“In my last five-six years, I have mentored youngsters; it is something which I enjoy, to be honest. I take a lot of happiness to help the youngsters and see them grow,” added Jaffer, who has featured in 31 tests and two ODIs for India.

Uttarakhand had qualified for the quarterfinals in their debut Ranji Trophy season in 2018-19 while they failed to reach the last eight stage in the subsequent season from Group C.

(With PTI inputs)