The normally calm Mumbai skipper Jaffer admits that nerves got the better of him in yesterday's see-saw Ranji final against Karnataka
The normally calm Mumbai skipper Jaffer admits that nerves got the better of him in yesterday's see-saw Ranji final against Karnataka
u00a0
ADVERTISEMENT
In a pressure situation, you would not find a better man than Wasim Jaffer to marshal the troops. Unflappable and unaffected by anything, the Mumbai skipper is a man of few emotions on the field and even fewer of those force a change in his otherwise calm expression.
But yesterday was different. On the line was a Ranji Trophy title and after Karnataka appeared in the driver's seat, a few quick wickets meant Mumbai were right back.
Karnataka were inching towards their target and with the last pair in and eight needed to win, Ajinkya Rahane dropped S Arvind at gully.
Jaffer was about to lose his first match as captain in two years. "I was really nervous. Wickets were falling and we were on top. Then they would get a boundary or a few runs and they were on top. Everyone was really under a lot of pressure," said Jaffer.
"I was praying to God. We needed one more wicket and then a catch was dropped too. Everything was happening very quickly. Last season, I did not have much to do as captain even in the final as we were always dominating. This time around it was totally different."
Fortunately for Jaffer though, quite a few teammates seemed to have realised his nervousness. "After every ball someone would come up to me and put out his hand for a clap or pat me on the back. And every time someone came up to me, he said, 'Don't worry. We will pull this one off.' That really helped me a lot in the middle," Jaffer said.
Ajit Agarkar then took s simple catch off his bowling to hand Mumbai their 39th title. Jaffer immediately went on his knees and kissed the ground. "This season was really tough for us and Karnataka had played well throughout the tournament. Manish Pandey was also batting really well with Satish Ganesh so things were difficult for us. But I am glad that everyone stuck to their task and even in pressure situations, we managed to do well. This is one of the best Ranji finals I have played in," Jaffer said.
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
