During the first edition of BCCI Naman Awards 2026, Indian cricket star Hardik Pandya revealed his idol in cricket and it was none other than former opening batsman of India, Wasim Jaffer. His admission drew attention when he opted for a domestic veteran over some familiar names.
Jaffer also mentioned his first meeting with the 32-year-old and praised Hardik for taking his name. They first met at Baroda’s former cricket star Irfan Pathan’s house during the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy season, which he revealed.
He disclosed that Hardik has told him he watches his batting often. In a video posted to Instagram on Wednesday night, Jaffer said:
“The first time I met him was during the 2014 or 2015 Ranji season. Mumbai were playing Baroda in Baroda. Irfan, Yusuf, and Munaf were playing in the opposition team. I was not playing that match because I was injured, but I traveled with the team. It was my last season with Mumbai. I shifted to Vidarbha after that. I remember that we went to Irfan’s house for dinner, and that is when I met Hardik and Krunal for the first time.
Jaffer continues to hold the record for most runs scored in Ranji Trophy history. In the domestic red-ball competition, the batter scored 12,038 runs. He completed with 1,944 runs at an average of 34.10 while playing 31 Test matches for India.
“Abhi bhi itne bade stars ke samne woh mera naam lete hai” – Wasim Jaffer on Hardik Pandya naming him as his idol
Wasim Jaffer also mentioned how Hardik Pandya still refers to him as his idol, calling him out in front of a number of elite players. He underlined that following the admission, many people were curious about Jaffer’s identity.
In the same video, he said:
“It’s very nice of him that woh abhi bhi itne bade stars ke samne woh mera naam lete hai (he still takes my name in front of big stars). And that is why there has been so much news about who Wasim Jaffer is. People keep hearing other names very often, but they might not remember Wasim Jaffer because I made a name for myself in First-Class cricket.”
In the forthcoming 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), Hardik will continue to lead the Mumbai Indians (MI). On March 29, the five-time champions will play the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
