Wasim Jaffer's historic knock gets praises from coach, ex-India cricketers

Vidarbha batsman Wasim Jaffer began the day on 113 and added 172 runs to remain unbeaten on 285 in Nagpur yesterday. File pic

AS Wasim Jaffer, 40, was breaking records during his epic 285 not out on Day Two for Vidarbha during the Irani Cup match against Rest of India (RoI) at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha (Nagpur) yesterday, coach Chandrakant Pandit was busy dissecting the former India Test opener's knock that can be served as a masterclass for his team members.

Vidarbha posted a mammoth 598 for three, thanks to Jaffer's milestone innings, skipper Faiz Fazal's 89 and Ganesh Satish's 120. Giving Jaffer good company is Apoorv Wankhade on 44 as the hosts made the most of the flat track on offer after winning the toss.

Chandrakant Pandit

'Rest playing the best'
The display board in the dressing room was all about Jaffer's knock. "It was like 'rest' playing the 'best'," Vidarbha coach Chandrakant Pandit told mid-day from Nagpur. "He practically displayed the art of batsmanship. He showed everyone how to best utilise the batting paradise offered to you. It has been a practical show of what coaching is all about. I feel this innings is a must-watch for every youngster who aims to play for the nation," he added.

Learning lesson
Pandit wanted to make the most of Jaffer's gem for Vidarbha's youngsters. "It is important to go beyond his score, the double hundred and all the records that he broke. I wanted the boys to learn how he built his innings, what kind of shots he offered, how he handled different bowlers, how to involve your batting partner in the mix, build partnerships and back your skills. His innings showcased the desire, hunger and determination that is required to succeed. It was a great innings," Pandit said. Jaffer put on a 289-run third-wicket partnership with Satish and then another 91 runs with Wankhade.

Also Read: Irani Cup: Wasim Jaffer scores his 53rd first-class century

Figure Trigger