After a few days of break from our social-media feature, legendary Baroda opener Wasim Jaffer has returned. Earlier today, the legendary Baroda batsman took to his Twitter account and shared his take on the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team’s post-1970 playing XI. Wasim’s team, though, keeping up with his history of team-dynamics; featured some notable inclusions.
Wasim’s batting line-up gave a strong indication of his top-heavy approach. India vice-captain Rohit Sharma and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar open the batting; followed by Dilip Vengsarkar at number 3. Just about every Mumbai or India dream-team would feature ‘Cricket’s God’, Sachin Tendulkar; Wasim’s team here is no exception. Tendulkar’s childhood pal, Vinod Kambli and Chandrakant Pandit rounded up the team’s middle order. Zaheer Khan, Ajit Agarkar and Abey Kuruvilla feature in the squad’s extravagant fast-bowling attack; while Padmakar Shivalkar and Ramesh Powar operate as the team’s spin bowlers. Ghulam Parkar, Abdul Ismail and Sairaj Bahutule also feature in the side as bench-warmers or potential replacements.
My all time Mumbai XI since 1970:
1. Gavaskar (c)
2. @ImRo45
3. Vengsarkar
4. @sachin_rt
5. @vinodkambli349
6. C Pandit (wk)
7. Bahutule / @imrameshpowar
8. @imAagarkar/ Abdul Ismail
9. @ImZaheer
10. A Kuruvilla
11. P Shivalkar
12th- G ParkarThoughts guys? @MumbaiCricAssoc
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) April 11, 2020
Some would argue that the team already looks way too-much spoilt for choices, and needs to stay the way it is. That, however, didn’t stop several fans from highlighting some notable omissions. India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s tweet focussed on the missing player perhaps most clinical to the squad’s dynamics. Although Wasim did later clarify about his ‘no self-selection’ policy.
Are you serious?? Where is your name Wasim bhai?? 🧐
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) April 11, 2020
Can't select myself Ash 😉
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) April 11, 2020
Other omissions
Various other fans pointed out on Amol Mazumdar’s exclusion from the side. Regarded as one of India’s domestic batting legends, Mazumdar even held the record for scoring most runs in the Ranji Trophy; ironically, a record that Jaffer himself broke. Meanwhile, renowned sports journalist Vikrant Gupta advocated for all-rounder Sandeep Patil’s inclusion in the side. With over 8000-runs and 50-wickets in List-A cricket; Patil even featured in the Indian team’s victorious 1983-World Cup campaign, further begging the case for his inclusion.
No Amol Muzumdar as well!!
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) April 11, 2020
Agree. Wasim bhai himself and Sandeep Patil two prominent names missing out
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) April 11, 2020
