Gautam Gambhir appreciates Wasim Jaffer’s gesture

Wasim Jaffer hit the winning shot for Vidarbha as they lifted their maiden Ranji Trophy.

Gautam Gambhir has appreciated Wasim Jaffer’s goodwill gesture for Vidarbha. Gambhir who opened the batting for Delhi failed to score against Vidarbha, as he managed to score  only 51 runs in his two innings. However he displayed sportsmanship by praising Jaffer through his twitter handle calling him a role model.

Proud of u Wasim Jaffer on keeping money on the back foot. In times when greed, sly and ‘bottom line’ are being identified wid Indian cricketers,u have proven to be a shinning light, a real role model. Wish @bcci makes a mention of this @BCCIdomestic pic.twitter.com/sNUDZK4GNt

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 8, 2018

Wasim Jaffer hit the glory shot for Vidarbha, and they lifted their maiden Ranji Trophy. What surprising is Jaffer did not charge his share of contract. He did it for free.

Jaffer, who earlier played for Mumbai, switched to Vidarbha during the 2015-16 season. However, he could not play for a major part due to injury. Jaffer didn’t charge anything as Vidarbha payed him full amount despite missing matches due to injury. According to reports in Hindustan Times, Jaffer revealed more.

‘They never hesitated to pay me’

“I had a contract with them last season where I was to be paid in three installments – October, January and March. They wanted me to play a big part in their Ranji Trophy campaign. It didn’t happen due to injury but they never hesitated to pay me,” he was quoted as saying.

“In October I was unavailable due to injury so they didn’t pay, which was fair. But in January, I was fit to play but they didn’t use my services [for limited-overs tournaments] but they respected my contract and paid me the full amount. I wanted to return the favour and called them [to say] I would play for free this season. It worked out well for both sides,” he added.

He, however, got his share in the INR 5 crores that Vidarbha was rewarded after their historic victory in Ranji trophy 2017-18 season.

Jaffer admitted that he wanted to play for an emerging side and guide youngsters. He had recognised the potential in Vidarbha players when he decided to switch.

‘I have made the right decision’

“I wanted to go to a place where I had a part to play, make some contribution to their cricket by guiding youngsters. I have made the right decision.”

“Vidarbha have a vision to do well. They want their youngsters to do well. Their rise started in 2009 when they set up the residential academy; it showed they wanted to improve their cricket. Three of their players were in the India under-19 team for the Asia Cup,” he added.