Yes, I know Wasim Jaffer is in the same boat as I was during the 2001 tour. After being a regular Test opener, I got a chance to play the ODIs for the first time in South Africa. Though I wasn’t very successful, I have learnt enough to say a few things to Jaffer. Flexibility is the key during a Test opener’s transit to the one-dayers. For someone who is used to playing carpet shots he shouldn’t change his style. At the end of the day, it is the runs that matter and there is no set norm that one has to play over the top to score runs. One has to take stock of one’s strengths and weaknesses. If he does that, there won’t be any problem.

I didn’t open the innings in ODIs since Sourav and Sachin were there. I played at No 3 and also down the order but considering the demands of the modern game one can’t complain of such things. Adjusting to conditions and match scenarios will be the key. I think Jaffer won’t have any problem doing that.

I know that for the Indian batsmen, who are used to the slow and low pitches, playing in South Africa is a big challenge. It all boils down to handling the bounce there. The bounce is steep and unlike in India, the ball climbs on you even from the just-short-of-good-length spot. I prepared for the South Africa tour with plastic and tennis balls. It certainly helped when facing a pace battery that had the likes of Pollock, Hayward and Ntini.

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