It is old saying form is temporary but class is permanent, so fits apt with Ranji Trophy highest run-getter ever Wasim Jaffer who has seen both phases of the cricketing career.
The 41-year-old former Mumbai and India cricketer is fresh from yet another Ranji Trophy title winning season (second one with Vidarbha) but has admitted that he is no mood to hang his boots, despite knowing he is on his last legs. At this time of his career unlike couple of years ago no one can doubt or question his decision as he was one of the top run-getter in this seasons Ranji Trophy. However things were not same when he was down and even wanted to play free for the State teams and no one was interested.
In an interview with cricket website Cricbuzz 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 rungetter 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”.
“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 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,” website quoted him as saying.