Amre hopes Jaffer can play for India again

But that's not the case for Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer, who posted his 28th Ranji Trophy ton and yet remains out of the reckoning when it comes to donning the India whites once again.


With India's Test openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag doing extremely well, and Rahul Dravid placed perfectly at the No 3 position, there seems to be no scope for the stylish right-hand batsman. Jaffer continues to make his case nevertheless.

Mammoth
Yesterday, he remained unbeaten on 169 to help Mumbai post a mammoth 544 for three declared against Gujarat on Day Two of the Ranji Trophy Super League match at Valsad. Ajinkya Rahane gave good support at the other end, scoring 126. Gujarat were 121 for two at stumps.

Thirty-two year old Jaffer, who last played a Test in 2008 against South Africa at Kanpur, is towards the fag end of his career. However, Mumbai coach Praveen Amre wishes his lad retires on a high. "He has been a very sincere student of the game. It is my dream that Wasim gets elected in the Indian team again and calls it a day while at the international level. It will be a fitting reward to his hardwork and sincerity over the years," Amre told MiD DAY yesterday.

Relentless performance and perspiration seems to be Jaffer's mantra to get over the disappointment of not being picked despite repeated success with the bat. "There is no change in his approach. He follows the same routine of over the years," said Amre.

Rahane, a prospect for the India opener's slot in future, credited Jaffer for his rise. "We all know how great a player he is. I learn a lot while batting with him. It's because of him that I am doing so well. He gives me immense confidence," said Rahane.

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