Wasim Jaffer says lack of consistency halted his test career

Jaipur: Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer feels he would have played more than 100 Test matches for the country had he been more consistent with his performances at the international level. 

"I wasn't that consistent. If I was, I would have played more than 100 Test matches. I was not that consistent at the international level that is why I got dropped," Jaffer said while speaking on Sports Tiger's show 'Off the Field'.

"I am famous for my first-class career more than the international cricket that I have played," he added.

Jaffer has one of the best domestic records in Indian cricket with over 19,000 runs to his name playing in 260 first class games with an average of 50.67. The batsman represented India in 31 Test matches and scored 1944 runs at an average of 34.11. He also played in 2 ODIs and 8 IPL matches.

Speaking about his inability to make a return to the international side despite great numbers in the domestic scene, Jaffer said, ''In 2012-13, I was very close to getting selected when Shikhar Dhawan got selected. So, I came very close a couple of times but somehow I missed the bus.'' 

''The selectors are the best people who can answer that but I definitely kept knocking the door,'' he added.

The Mumbai stalwart also spoke about his new role on being appointed as the head coach of Uttarakhand.

"It's quite exciting, something which is very new to me. Even though, I have tried my hand in coaching, but not as a head coach. I have done some batting consultancy and I have played some part in coaching but taking up the whole team is quite exciting and challenging, so I am looking forward to it,'' he said. 

Jaffer who played the majority of his career for Mumbai made a move to Vidarbha in the latter part of his career. According to him, it was about time as he thought that he was not going to play for India at that time and wanted to challenge himself. 

''I kind of got the signal that youngsters are coming through and the selectors might think about dropping me from some format. It's good that I decided to move to Vidharbha and the kind of things they went on to achieve which I feel very happy and proud of,'' the former opener said.(UNI)