Wasim Jaffer crosses 7,000-run mark in Ranji Trophy

When Wasim Jaffer raised his bat after completing his half-century on the penultimate day of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy tie against Tamil Nadu, he received a loud cheer from his teammates for his 105th 50-plus score in first-class cricket.

But not many were aware that moments before raising his bat, Jaffer joined an elite seven-member club to have crossed the 7,000-run mark. On his way to an unbeaten 129 to keep Mumbai in the hunt of Tamil Nadu's mammoth first innings total of 501, he became only the second Mumbaikar after Amol Muzumdar to have joined the list in the premier domestic tournament.

"I don't think a lot of them were aware of it but I knew I was close," the stylish batsman told MiD DAY after Mumbai ended the day at 308 for three. "Lately, I am playing a lot of Ranji Trophy cricket. And by God's grace, I scored a lot of runs last season and this season also I am doing well. So, I am happy about it."

With the Indian opening combination looking strong, Jaffer is likely to miss the international bus despite big scores unless he is given an opportunity in the middle order. If his strong Ranji performances do not get noticed by the national selectors, Jaffer could well become the first to cross 10,00 runs since he is still only 31 and can play on the domestic circuit for quite some time.

But Jaffer thought it was too early to talk about it.

"Scoring 3,000 runs is far away. I won't be able to tell you right now. It depends on how much cricket I play and the form I am in. I am not thinking about that right now."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels