He never knew what hit him in Chittagong last week. Cyclone Akash missed the city, but, surely, left an effect on Wasim Jaffer, who failed to score in both innings of the first Test against Bangladesh.
Questions about India's 'opening' balance were immediately raised after the Mumbai opener got a couple of ducks. Many said the team still has problems with its top order. But Jaffer laid them all to rest with a sparkling century in the first innings of the second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday.
His fourth Test century enabled the Indians assert themselves as early as the first day of the match.
Naturally, he was relieved, and delighted as well.
"It is nice to get a hundred in Test cricket; especially to come back and get one after a pair," Jaffer said.
He said bagging the inglorious pair in the first Test gave him the extra determination to do well in this match, also the final game of the two-Test series.
"I am always determined, no matter what the result is. I was that extra bit determined after getting that pair. Obviously, getting a pair is not a nice feeling. I was determined to get a good score and I am very happy," he said, thanking the team for standing behind him.
"I am delighted that team management was behind me. They backed me after the first Test and if there backing was not there I would not have been playing this game and got this result," he said.
In fact, the failure in Chittagong was just a slight blip as far as Jaffer's career is concerned. This was his second century in three matches after the 116 he scored against South Africa in the third Test in Cape Town.
The oppressive conditions saw both Jaffer and his partner, Dinesh Karthik (82 not out), retire because of cramps. However, Jaffer had no complaints; he feels conditions are not in his hands.
"Playing or not playing [in such conditions] is not in my hands; it is up to the BCCI or Bangladesh Cricket Board to decide to play when and where. But, obviously, conditions are tough as you can see. I and Karthik had to come back due to cramps. But conditions are same for both the teams," he added.
The 29-year-old said having a good, friendly relation with Karthik helped.
"I and Dinesh are opening for the last three Tests and we got a hundred-run partnership in Cape Town. We are good friends and it helps when you bat together," he said.
He also thanked cricket manager Ravi Shastri for helping to stay positive.
"Shastri was telling me to be more positive in mind and not to worry about the past as such things happen to everybody. Openers will have to play the new ball and that too when the conditions are tough. You have to just go there and give your best," said Jaffer.
