Watching Wasim Jaffer bat could give the sense of tranquility one derives at the premises of any place of worship. The former Indian batsman has a no-nonsense approach at the crease and likes to play each ball on its merit. His elegant demeanour while executing the shots on either of his feet is easy on the eye.
The stylish batsman, who led Mumbai to Ranji titles in the last two years, has lived up to his ‘run-machine’ reputation by scoring runs aplenty this season. Amassing 684 runs with four centuries and two fifties from six matches so far, speak volumes of the gifted player.
Jaffer is, no doubt, a byword for serenity. But a bustling personality to fire each time he pads up, lingers behind this calmness. In 2008, after losing his place in the Indian Test team for the nth time, Jaffer made a telling statement piling 1260 runs in the Ranji season for the same year. The effort included a second triple-century (against Saurashtra) in the first-class arena.
Probably in an effort to squeeze into the strong Indian batting lineup, the 32-year-old cricketer has even swapped his regular opening slot for the middle-order this season. Jaffer should be confident that he might have a role to play in this position at some point of time. Moreover, he could be considered when the big guns call it a day.
Jaffer who is in Chennai to play against Tamil Nadu, spoke to Deccan Chronicle and touched upon various topics including his desire to make a comeback into the Indian team, his new look with a well-grown beard and India’s World Cup chances among others.
EXCERPTS
On his excellent domestic form: The longing to do well for Mumbai is always there. Each time I walk into bat, I carry the urge to score as many runs as possible for my team. Being the senior member in the squad, it is important to guide the youngsters with your own performance.
On his run-scoring consistency and motivation mantra: The key is to enjoy your cricket. I cherish each and every innings that I have played for my country and state. There is also a lot of hard work that goes behind this success. I always aim to make the hard yards count.
On his comeback to the national team: I had one poor series Down Under in 2008 but followed it up with a 70 plus against South Africa in the first Test at home. But the next two were average outings after which I was dropped. Obviously, it feels bad to be out of the national team. But there is nothing much I can do in that aspect but what I can do is keep scoring runs to stay in the reckoning. I have always tried to give my best while playing for the country.
On India’s chances at the World Cup: India, to me, are the frontrunners to nail the coveted trophy. They have been in excellent form lately and it would be ideal to peak during the event. The pressure of playing at home can be intimidating. There might be nerves initially but I am sure they will cope with it as the tournament progresses.
On Mumbai’s performance: We are the defending champions and we take a lot of pride in it. We have been consistent so far and would look to carry the momentum into the knockout stages. It doesn’t matter in which position we are placed; we approach every game with a winning mindset.
On his new look: While playing in England (Skelmanthorpe Cricket Club) I wanted to learn more about my religion and was drawn closer to Islam than I have ever been. Growing a beard or doing a couple of things as followers does not mean you become pious. There are proper ways to get there and I am trying my best to do it.