Wasim Jaffer appointed as head coach of Uttarakhand for the upcoming season

Former India international Wasim Jaffer, regarded as one of the best players to have played in the domestic circuit, announced his retirement at the age of 42 in March this year. He bid adieu to his playing career after amassing 19410 runs in 260 First-class matches at an impressive average of 50.67. The right-hander even gathered 1944 runs while donning the whites for India in 31 Tests.

Moving towards a new path of his career, Jaffer has been appointed head coach of the Uttarakhand cricket team for the upcoming domestic season. This will be the domestic stalwart’s first stint as a head coach with any team. Jaffer confirmed his appointment and expressed his excitement to don the coach’s hat.

Uttarakhand have gone back to Plate group and it will be a big challenge to lock horns with, according to Jaffer. He said that he feels happy to start from the bottom with the side.

It is very challenging and something new for me: Wasim Jaffer

“I am becoming the head coach of any team for the first time. It is very challenging and something new for me, straightaway after my playing career and I’m looking forward to it,” Jaffer said over his appointment.

“This is a new team, they have done well. They played the quarterfinals (of the Ranji Trophy in 2018-19 season) against Vidarbha. But they have gone back to Group D (Plate group), so it is going to be a big challenge. I am happy that I am starting from the bottom and for me, it is going to be a good experience,” he added.

42-year-old Jaffer had an illustrious domestic career spanning over two decades. The highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy, Jaffer has influenced many youngsters during his playing stint with two domestic giants– Mumbai and Vidarbha. Jaffer also said that he’s hoping to shape many Uttarakhand youngsters during his tenure as their head coach.

“I have heard that a lot of talented players are coming from there. I am hoping to turn them into good players and (Uttarakhand) as a good team.

“In my last five-six years, I have mentored youngsters; it is something which I enjoy, to be honest. I take a lot of happiness to help the youngsters and see them grow,” added Jaffer, who has donned the Indian jersey in 31 Tests and two One-day Internationals.