The biggest challenge for present cricketers is to adapt to all three formats: Wasim Jaffer

The evergreen former India opener Wasim Jaffer’s youthful exuberance will leave even the younger cricketers in awe given his undiminishing passion for the sport even at the age of 39. And after two decades of first-class cricket, Jaffer, a veteran in the game addressed the biggest challenge for today’s generation of cricketers, to adapt and be able in all the three formats of the game.

The Mumbai-born batsman believes one has to be a two-dimensional cricketer in order to succeed, especially with the dawn of modern formats. Being an excellent Test cricketer, or an exuberant limited-overs player would only imply that one has to sit out for almost half a season. It is of utmost importance for the current generation to be adept in every way, giving the captain an extra benefit.

In an exclusive interview with Sportstarlive, the right-hander said, “The biggest challenge for the current generation of cricketers is to adapt to all the three formats. You have to be a two-dimensional cricketer. Unless you are a great player you cannot be unidimensional anymore.”

He added, “Look at the great examples of Kohli, Steve Smith, Warner. You need not play fancy shots all the time. You have to be smart to maintain a decent strike rate. And, I think the current players are pretty smart to understand this.”

Jaffer speaks about his India ambitions

An ageing Jaffer, who played a clinical role in guiding Vidarbha to their maiden Ranji title this season confessed that it is very difficult to make a comeback into Indian cricket given the kind of bench strength available.

The Mumbaikar hit the winning runs for Vidarbha as he won the Ranji Trophy for the ninth time in his career. Jaffer kept his invincible record going as he has now featured in nine Ranji finals and has managed to come out victorious in all of them.