A day after leading West Zone to yet another silverware, Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer tells DNA that he was hoping his name would be discussed for the tour of NZ.
Wasim Jaffer would never forget this season. The opener not only excelled in his vocation but also did extremely well, leading his teams to three titles out of four this season.
To begin with, Jaffer-led Mumbai won their 38th Ranji Trophy title after a miserable last season. He then shepherded West Zone to Duleep Trophy followed by the Deodhar Trophy crown. The stylish batsman has also scored more than 2000 runs in both forms of the game and is hopeful that his performance would make people sit up and take notice after he was dropped from the Indian team.
“It was a very satisfying season for me both as a captain and a player. Not only did Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy but as West Zone, we also bagged the Duleep and Deodhar Trophies. Individually it was great too as I scored more than 2000 runs in both formats of the game. I hope to continue in the same form in the next season too,” Jaffer told DNA a day after snatching another silverware on Wednesday. Jaffer said it wasn’t easy but was always confident of pulling it off.
“As a captain you have more responsibility because one has to lead by example. I was injured in the second half of the IPL and hence was away from cricket for long. Mumbai’s season started from Anantpur in the match against Andhra and then the Buchi Babu meet. That was the best time to get back into the groove and I worked on some technical issues that saw me carry my form for long,” he said.
The 31-year-old was disappointed that his name did not crop during the selection meeting ahead of the tour of New Zealand.
“After being ignored for the Sri Lanka series I knew that I had to play for Mumbai and this was the best chance for me. I am surprised and disappointed that after scoring heavily in first class games my name wasn’t even discussed for the tour of New Zealand. But it’s not the end of the world and I hope to get back soon,” he added.
“This season was very crucial for me and I am happy that I performed in all forms of the game. More so because Ranji Trophy is back in our cabinet. It was fantastic to lead Mumbai… I got a chance to captain the side which had players like Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan in the team. Youngsters like Ajinkya Rahane and Dhawal Kulkarni did a fantastic job... And I think the Mumbai boys did really well and made their team proud.” said Jaffer.
He feels captaining a zonal side is easier than leading a state team.
“Mumbai have a history and you always need to extract the best from the players and motivate them. Whereas best players are picked for the zonal teams and they are hungrier to perform at that level… That gives them the recognition for the higher level,” says Jaffer.
The Mumbai skipper is looking forward to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. “It is a different game altogether because you play with red ball the whole year and then comes the white. So it’s difficult for a batsman to adjust. But I think this is the best time to make yourself counted because not only are people watching but selectors too.
Some of the players who played well last year made it to the senior team. And I am really looking forward to the Indian Premier League,” he signed off.
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