Over the last two decades, Wasim Jaffer has seen many transitions. The transformation from a lean youngster to a domestic veteran - the 40-year-old has adopted well to the mentor's role after shifting base from Wankhede to Jamtha.
In a long career, however, one thing that has remained constant, is his artistry with the willow.
The moment one saw him driving the first ball he faced on day one against the Rest of India, one felt Jaffer would continue his dream run in the Irani Cup history. Five years since his last appearance in the annual fixture, albeit with a new team, Jaffer was at his best and there was a lesson to learn for his team-mates and the top performers in the opposition.
Read: Jaffer & Co. make Rest of India wilt
At the end of day's play, Jaffer remained unbeaten on 113 (166b, 16x4, 1x6), and each of the RoI players walking up to him to acknowledge his sterling knock. The track was flat but that doesn't take anything away, as Jaffer made sure to put the best of the balls to the fence.
“Over the years, we all associate the word “class” with Jaffer's batting, and today was a great example of his class,” said Faiz Fazal, the Vidarbha captain who was involved in a 117-run partnership with Jaffer. “He has been a great help on and off the field for all of us. But when he is in such touch, you can only feel how lucky you are to witness it from the other end.”
While his innings on Wednesday, in extremely hot conditions, didn't even give any hint of weariness. But if he continues to bat in the same vein on day two, Jaffer might as well bat the in-form RoI line-up out of the game.
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