Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has revealed his preferred Asian Test XI, making a significant leadership choice by naming Pakistan great Imran Khan as his captain and India legend Sachin Tendulkar as his vice-captain. Jaffer also made a notable call behind the stumps, preferring Rishabh Pant over former India captain and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni.
Jaffer believes Imran’s all-round abilities, leadership and impact on Pakistan cricket make him an ideal captain for a combined Asian Test team. During his illustrious career, Imran scored 3,807 Test runs at an average of 37.69 and claimed 362 wickets at 22.81. The former Pakistan captain also led his country to several memorable Test victories, including wins in India, England and the West Indies. Although his Test captaincy win percentage stood at 29.16, his influence on Pakistan cricket extended far beyond statistics.
“For a Test match, my captain would be Imran Khan. My vice-captain would be Sachin Tendulkar. MS? I think my team would not even have MS Dhoni. For me, Rishabh Pant would get into the team,” Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
ALSO READ: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Asitha Fernando Fined 25% Match Fees By ICC After Colombo Altercation
Jaffer’s decision to leave Dhoni out is particularly noteworthy given the former India skipper’s achievements in international cricket. Dhoni recorded a Test captaincy win percentage of 45, but Wasim Jaffer believes Pant’s batting ability and impact make him the preferred wicketkeeper in a modern Asian Test XI.
Virat Kohli could also have been a strong captaincy candidate. His Test captaincy record remains one of the best among Asian leaders, with a win percentage of 58.82. Under Kohli, India recorded landmark Test victories in countries such as England, Australia and South Africa.
Jaffer’s comments come amid renewed attention on Imran Khan following concerns surrounding his treatment during his incarceration in Pakistan. On Sunday, 21 former international cricket captains, including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for humane treatment and proper medical care for the former Pakistan captain.
Wasim Jaffer backed the initiative and described Imran as a visionary who made an enormous contribution to Pakistan. “Giving him better treatment is basic; he’s a source of pride for Pakistan,” Wasim Jaffer said, while highlighting Imran’s achievements as a cricketer, captain and leader.
ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev Join Former Captains In Demands To Pakistan PM Over Imran Khan’s Treatment
The former Indian batter also recalled meeting Imran in 2006 and visiting the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, a project closely associated with the former Pakistan captain. Jaffer praised the facility for providing affordable treatment and said Imran had done significant work for his country beyond cricket.
According to Jaffer, Imran’s combination of batting, bowling and leadership made him one of the most complete cricketers of his generation. He also praised Imran’s education, character and willingness to remain in Pakistan to contribute to the country. For Jaffer, those qualities make Imran Khan the natural captain of his preferred Asian Test XI, with Tendulkar serving as his deputy and Pant taking the wicketkeeping role ahead of Dhoni.
