India to definitely make World Cup semi-finals, says Chaminda Vaas

Former Sri Lanka speedster Chaminda Vaas thinks India is a balanced side to make it to the semi-finals of the upcoming ICC World Cup starting May 30. A member of Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning side, the 45-year-old former left-hand cricketer though did not sound too optimistic about his own country’s chances in the mega event this time.

Vaas, who works in the capacity of coach now, also expressed his grief over the recent terror attacks in Sri Lanka that have killed almost 300 people. Owner of 761 international wickets and the island nation’s most successful pacer and the second-most successful bowler after Muttiah Muralidharan, Vaas was in Mumbai recently to inaugurate a local T20 tournament.

“India has been dominating in the last two-three years. They (also) have good back-up fast bowlers. They will do wonders. Indian team is very balanced. They will do well. My prediction is, India will definitely reach the semifinals,” India Today cited reports as quoting Vaas.

Speaking on Sri Lanka who recently picked Dimuth Karunaratne has not played in an ODI since the 2015 World Cup as the skipper of the WC squad, Vaas said it is difficult to make a remark on the matter since Sri Lanka have been selecting captains but they aren’t giving anything back to the team.

“We lack experience and performance in the middle but I am pretty sure that people have so many things but the selectors and the Sri Lanka cricket has trusted Dimuth and given (him an opportunity) to captain the side and I’m pretty sure that the team will unite and they will do well in the upcoming World Cup,” he said.

Vaas praises deposed captain Lasith Malinga

Vaas also had a word of praise for pacer Lasith Malinga who had been leading Sri Lanka until recently but was replaced for the WC. Calling the 35-year-old an asset for the team still, Vaas said he is one of the best in the world and also the best in Sri Lanka.

“We depend on him as a bowler and he showed his leadership qualities. He has given 100 per cent for the team and we have seen him playing in Mumbai (one day) and playing in Sri Lanka the next day. It shows the commitment he has and the commitment he has given to the team and the country. He will be the key for Sri Lanka cricket in the upcoming World Cup,” Vaas, who has a hat-trick in the World Cup, said.

The former cricketer also opined that the experienced Dinesh Chandimal should have been in the squad. He took a dig at the selectors saying they keep changing and said there is no selection policy in place.

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