Wasim Jaffer Feels He took the Right Decision by Opting to Play for Vidarbha

There is no doubt about the fact that former Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer is one of the most prolific run scorers in the first-class history and arguably the best in Indian domestic cricket. He holds the record for most runs in first-class cricket amassing more than 10,000 runs already.

It was the sheer love of the game which helped Jaffer make a comeback this time for relative newcomers Vidarbha. Before the final, Wasim Jaffar said pitches are needed to balance teams.

In the last two decades Jaffer has kept himself busy with stints in Yorkshire, Birmingham and Liverpool leagues for almost a couple of decades and in this season Jaffer will be turning out for the Lancashire League. He is of the opinion that he took the correct decision by opting to play for Vidarbha.

“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,” said Jaffer.

Jaffer has been raised in a rich cricket culture, and he found the cricketing environment in Vidarbha different.

“There was no quantity, only quality; players were equipped with good skills. There were only 25-30 probables who played across all formats.

“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 further conceded that in 2003 and 2004 when Mumbai won Ranji Trophies for consecutive years Pandit didn’t form any committees within the team.

Jaffer said when Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy in 2003 and 2004, 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.”

“I also impressed upon Chandu to give opportunities to Aditya Sarwate and what a partnership developed between him and Akshay Wadkar against Delhi. Vidarbha has good players in Lalit Yadav, Rajneesh Gurbani and Akshay Wakhare. Faiz Fazal has years of experience. Someone like Karn Sharma had to sit out.”

Jaffer concluded by saying that having tasted success Vidarbha will look for more at all levels. “They have the confidence now. Chandu has instilled that attitude in the team,” Jaffer concluded.

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