Gautam Gambhir hails Wasim Jaffer for his classy gesture

Jaffer switched to Vidarbha from Mumbai this season and had a wonderful time with the bat.

Jaffer scored 500 runs in 13 innings in this Ranji Trophy season | PTI

When it comes to class batsmanship, Wasim Jaffer stands at the very top in India’s domestic cricket. The stylish right-hander is playing first-class cricket since 1997. Having played for Mumbai for the most part of his career, Jaffer switched to Vidarbha this season and had a wonderful time with the bat. The 39-year-old amassed 500 runs in 13 innings at an average of 54.09 with 3 fifties and a century in Ranji Trophy 2017-18.

Aside from Jaffer’s top-notch performances on the field, he is a pretty class person off the field as well. In his recent interview with Hindustan Times, Jaffer revealed that he played the recently concluded Ranji Trophy season for Vidarbha without charging a fee from the state cricket association.

“I had a contract with them last season (2016-17) where I was to be paid in three installments -- October, January and March. They wanted me to play a big part in their Ranji Trophy campaign. It didn’t happen due to injury but they never hesitated to pay me," Jaffer told Hindustan Times.

“In October, I was unavailable due to injury so they didn’t pay, which was fair. But in January, I was fit to play but they didn’t use my services (for limited-overs tournaments) but they respected my contract and paid me the full amount. I wanted to return the favour and called them (to say) I would play for free this season. It worked out well for both sides," he added.

After knowing about Jaffer's goodwill gesture, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has lauded the veteran batsman and termed him as a real role model.

"Proud of u Wasim Jaffer on keeping money on the back foot. In times when greed, sly and ‘bottom line’ are being identified wid Indian cricketers,u have proven to be a shinning light, a real role model. Wish @bcci makes a mention of this @BCCIdomestic," Gambhir wrote on his official twitter page.

Wasim Jaffer played a key role in Vidarbha’s comprehensive 9-wicket victory over Delhi in the Ranji Trophy final. The seasoned campaigner scored a gritty 78 in Vidarbha’s first innings as they took a massive lead of 252 over Delhi and consequently secured their maiden Ranji title.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 09 Jan, 2018

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