IQBAL - PART TWO

His father is a driver of a BEST bus in Mumbai, one brother drives auto rikshaw, mother used to sell pickles --- all in the hope that one day he would be able to see his as well as their dreams come true. I am talking about none other than Wasim Jaffer, who yesterday scored 212 runs to help India not only make sure they don't lose, but also dream of a victory.

Abdul Kader, father of Wasim Jaffer, dreamt of making his son Kalim (Wasim's elder brother) a cricketer, but couldn't because of financial constraints. He even once spend his entire month's salary of Rs 450 to buy a bat for Kalim. But the family didn't give up. When they saw Wasim's interest in cricket, the entire family did all that they could so that nothing would hinder Wasim's dreams. His mother made pickles at home and sold, his brother Saleem drove auto, and Kalim became his coach and supporter. The responsibilities were shared and not for a moment Wasim was allowed to forget his aim.

Wasim on his part was mature enough to realize how fortunate he was in getting a family like this one, and the motivation reflected in his performances. The 400 that he scored in inter-school tournament helped him to clinch a place in Mumbai's under-19 team. There he was spotted by former India test cricketer Sudhir Naik, who in turn polished him. He went on to make 314 in his second Ranji Trophy match. The family, increasingly hard-pressed financially, never gave up even during this time.

Then Wasim was selected for the tests against South Africa when they visited India, where he failed to make any impression a series which India lost 2-0. India then kept on trying different openers, but Wasim was never called for. Those were trying times for him and he expected to be called in for the England series, but was not. Finally after success in Duleep Trophy, this time he was included in the West Indies series and made the best out of the opportunity. Though he could score only 1 run in the first innings, he went on to score 212 yesterday in the second innings - an innings played under tremendous pressure. This time he ensured that his beloved family smiled! Well done Iqbal -- oops Jaffer!