Former Indian legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar was full of praise for his Mumbai teammate, Wasim Jaffer, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of the game. Jaffer had been a domestic giant as he amassed 19410 runs at an average of 50.67 in 260 first-class matches he played over his career, which spanned for 24 years.
Jaffer was all about class and always had the right temperament. The right-hander was technically correct and there was hardly any chunk in his armour. The 42-year old was a treat to the eyes and his stylish drives through the off-side were full of flamboyance.
Sachin Tendulkar told Times of India, “He was a special player. What he has achieved as a player is fantastic. For any player to be able to play for such a long time and perform consistently well is a testament to his commitment and dedication. Wasim’s strength has been his temperament. He is very calm by nature and doesn’t get too hyper. That makes a huge difference to people around you”.
“He has been a fantastic ambassador for cricket. His contribution to Mumbai Cricket has been incredible”.
Sachin Tendulkar added Jaffer biggest forte was to remain calm and composed even when he was put under the cosh. The Master Blaster stated Jaffer had a lot of time up in his sleeve while he was facing fast bowling, which helped him succeed as an opener.
“Wasim was a man of very few words. He would stay calm and composed under pressure and that is something which not many players possess. That has been his strength. One of his top qualities is that he had so much time to play fast bowling. That’s an important element for any player, especially an opening batter”.
Tendulkar also recalled Jaffer’s top knocks for the Indian team and he mentioned the hundred against Proteas at Cape Town as well as the double century against Pakistan in Kolkata. Jaffer played 31 Test matches for the Indian team in which he scored 1944 runs at an average of 34.10 and also scored five centuries.
Sachin, who is currently leading Indian legends in the Road Safety World Series, added that it was crucial for the bowling team to get rid of Jaffer early in his innings otherwise he was hard to dismiss once he got settled at the crease.
Wasim was a man of very few words. He would stay calm and composed under pressure and that is something which not many players possess. That has been his strength. One of his top qualities is that he had so much time to play fast bowling. That’s an important element for any player, especially an opening batter.
Wasim Jaffer will be proud of his long career and he is a role model for any young budding cricketer. Jaffer still has a big role to play in Indian cricket and it would be great if he shares his vast knowledge with the young players.
Written by: Gautam Chauhan
