Hardik Pandya Names Wasim Jaffer as His Idol, Surprising Fans with Stats

New Delhi, March 18: In the 2026 BCCI Naman Awards, India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya named former opener Wasim Jaffer as his idol. Once, Jaffer was often compared to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in domestic cricket. Over a remarkable 24-year career, Jaffer set numerous records that remain challenging to surpass.

Sachin Tendulkar played 310 first-class matches, scoring 25,396 runs at an average of 57.84. During this period, he achieved 81 centuries and 116 half-centuries. In the Ranji Trophy, Tendulkar participated in 38 matches, amassing 4,281 runs, including 18 centuries and 19 half-centuries.

In contrast, Jaffer played 260 first-class matches, accumulating 19,410 runs at an average of 50.67. He stunned everyone in just his second first-class match by scoring an unbeaten 314 runs against Mumbai. Jaffer holds a unique record in the Ranji Trophy, having formed partnerships of 300 runs or more on four occasions. As the ‘King of Ranji Cricket,’ he played a pivotal role in leading Mumbai and Vidarbha to Ranji titles.

Jaffer guided Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, and then secured the trophy for Vidarbha in consecutive seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19.

As the first player to play 150 matches in the Ranji Trophy, Jaffer has scored the most runs in the tournament, totaling 12,038 runs. He also holds the record for the most centuries in the Ranji Trophy, with 40 to his name. Additionally, he is the leading run-scorer in both the Duleep Trophy (2,545 runs) and the Irani Trophy (1,008 runs).

In List-A cricket, Jaffer played 118 matches, scoring 4,849 runs at an average of 44.08, including an unbeaten innings of 178 runs.

Representing India, Jaffer played 31 Test matches, scoring 1,944 runs in 58 innings at an average of 34.10. He achieved two double centuries in Test cricket, scoring 212 runs against the West Indies in June 2006 and 202 runs against Pakistan in 2007. A technically sound player, Wasim Jaffer is now involved in coaching and commentary after retiring from professional cricket.

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