Wasim Jaffer:
India discarded Wasim Jaffer is another Indian batsman who rose above personal tragedy to help his team. It was the elite Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Himachal Pradesh and Jaffer was fielding on the fourth day at the slip when he received a message that his mother was no more. She had suffered a mild heart attack a few days earlier, but recovered well and was said to be out of danger. Wasim talked to her only the previous evening. He had little idea that he gave blood and sweat for the victory of his team, his mother took her last breath. Three brothers had struggled hard to meet the end. Their father worked as a bus driver in the public transport company. Bombay Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST). Wasim’s mother has always been the pillar of the strength for the family. She rarely fell ill. She is was one who had remained firm and strong. Now she no more.
He told the team management that his mother died. Dazed, he began walking towards the pavilion. “ I was too dazed to take a decision but coach Chandu Pandit said even if I went home then the funeral would be in the evening. Bombay needed two more wickets to bundle out Himachal Pradesh’s innings which are still to chase 80 odd runs. With a sad mental state, Wasim walks into the field to continued his duty as a cricketer.
Wasim knew that as an opener he has to get the runs without losing a wicket to get the bonus point for his team. As he walked out to the field to open the innings, he looked heavenward and prayed for his mother.He was determined to get those runs without losing his wicket. And he did. Bombay won with their opening partnership intact thus earning a bonus point.