Jaffer switches from Mumbai to Vidarbha

Wasim Jaffer is just 241 runs short of scoring 10,000 runs in Ranji Trophy

Wasim Jaffer, the highest individual run-getter in the Ranji Trophy, left his home team Mumbai to join Vidarbha. He is to replace Rakesh Dhurv to complete a competitive batting lineup which already boasts of Ganesh Satish and S Badrinath.

"Wasim will obviously bring in loads of experience and expertise. His presence will not only be handy in the batting department but also with regard to helping young batsmen from Vidarbha hone their skills and take their game to the next level," Prakash Dixit, the president of the Vidarbha Cricket Association president, told ESPNcricinfo.

Jaffer said that he would speak about this move only after returning to India. After an outstanding 19-year run with Mumbai, he is 241 runs short of becoming the first batsman to score 10.000 runs in the Ranji Trophy.

Jaffer will join Paras Mhambrey, former Mumbai and India pacer, who took over as the Coach of Vidarbha last year. Mhambrey’s decision to bring in three professionals in the team has done wonders as they finished third in Group B last year and qualified for the Ranji knockouts after a gap of almost two decades.

Since a domestic team can sign just three players on its roster, Vidarbha released the left-arm spinner, Rakesh Dhurv, once Jaffer agreed to join them.

This decision by Jaffer is probably based on his most forgettable series in first-class cricket, due to the multiple injuries he suffered during Mumbai’s Ranji campaign. He managed to score just 22 runs off the 2 matches he played. He remained in the squad, despite his finger injuries and mentored the young Mumbai line-up.

With this switch, Mumbai will be playing the forthcoming domestic season with its most inexperienced squad. Jaffer was the only player in Mumbai’s squad who had more than a decade’s experience in first-class cricket last season.

After losing his position as an opener in the Indian team, Jaffer has been one of the most sought after domestic player. Even though he was approached by several teams while leading Mumbai, he stayed loyal to his side.