Happy Birthday Wasim Jaffer: A Ranji Trophy legend extraordinaire

Sure, Wasim Jaffer may not have a successful international career to boast of as he would have certainly liked to, but his name was enough to send shivers down opposition’s spine in domestic cricket. The Ranji Trophy records under Jaffer’s name, who was a prolific run-getter for Mumbai, are likely to stand the test of time.  With his true legacy in his impressive first-class numbers, Jaffer was an established opener for India as well across 31 Tests played by him. His more than often cryptic tweets and witty banters hog more limelight than usual. But this cannot be the only way to exemplify his greatness in the cricketing ecosystem. (Pic Courtesy: PTI)

Updated On: 2023-02-16 12:34 PM IST

Wasim Jaffer (Pic Courtesy: PTI)

Most runs in Ranji Trophy

Jaffer has been a clean run-scorer in Ranji Trophy throughout his career, whether he has played for Mumbai or Vidarbha. Having amassed 12,038 runs in the tournament, there has barely been a season of lean patch for the former right-handed opener. It is noteworthy that no other batsman has managed to breach the 10,000-run mark in the tournament to date. Perhaps, the next successful Test batsman would be Amol Muzumdar who has 9205 runs in total. 

Most career centuries in Ranji Trophy

Jaffer has an impressive 40 Ranji Trophy centuries to his name, the most by any player. Thanks to his unparalleled consistency with the bat, it is only obvious that he has struck several centuries and fifty plus scores in his domestic career. Besides 40 hundreds, the lanky opener has an overall 89 half-centuries under his name. The next best is Ajay Sharma, who has scored 31 centuries in the tournament.

Most appearances in Ranji Trophy

There is little doubt as to how Jaffer is best regarded as the hallmark of consistency in the Ranji Trophy tournament. He has played a total of 156 matches, which is the most by any player ever. Sure, there could be a few with more first class appearances than him, but Jaffer is at the top of the pile if it is the Ranji Trophy. Madhya Pradesh legend Devendra Bundela is the next best having played 146 matches.

Most catches in Ranji Trophy

You may think Jaffer’s batting genius is synonymous with excellence in sports in general, but I would beg to differ. Besides his breathtaking repertoire of strokes on the crease, he has made quite a name for himself as a safe catcher in the slips. He has picked up 200 valuable catches in Ranji Trophy playing for both Mumbai and Vidarbha. 

Most wins in Ranji Trophy

Jaffer represented Mumbai for the most part of his Ranji Trophy career, and it is no secret that Mumbai has been the most dominant side in the history of the tournament. Mumbai definitely has Jaffer to credit a small chunk of that success. There was no stopping the fiery Jaffer as he went on to win a Ranji Trophy title with Vidarbha only months after joining the side in the latter half of his career. He has a remarkable 74 wins in his decorated Ranji Trophy career. 

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