Lasith Malinga is one of the best in the world, says Chaminda Vaas

Lavishing praise on Lasith Malinga, former Sri Lanka fast-bowler, Chaminda Vaas said that the veteran never shies away from giving his all irrespective of playing for club or country. After a troubled 2017 and the first half of 2018 that saw him losing his place in the Sri Lankan team due to injury and poor form, Malinga has rediscovered his mojo in recent times. He was recently named in Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad where he will spearhead the Lankan’s pace attack.

Having made his debut way back in 2004,  Malinga was plagued by injuries and fitness issues over the last couple of years. In fact, Malinga didn’t play a single ODI between November 2015 and Sri Lanka’s first game of the Champions Trophy in June 2017. A poor show in Champions Trophy and then the home series against India saw him lose his place. He finally made his comeback during last year’s Asia Cup and has not looked back since then.

Malinga recently proved his worth with some eye-catching performances in the domestic one-dayers and the ongoing IPL. He has picked up 9 wickets in IPL so far while at home he picked up a 7-wicket haul for just 49 runs against Kandy. And as Malinga gears up to play his fourth 50-over World Cup, he has received some high praise from Vaas.

“There is no doubt that he (Malinga) is one of the best in the world and the best in Sri Lanka. We depend on him as a bowler and he has shown leadership qualities too,” Chaminda Vaas was quoted as saying by The Hindu. 

“He has given 100 per cent for the team and we recently saw him play in Mumbai (one day) and Sri Lanka the next day. It shows his commitment to the team and country. He will be a key player at the World Cup,” added the legendary pacer.

Malinga, who was recently sacked as Sri Lanka’s ODI captain, will retire after the World Cup.

Dinesh Chandimal deserved World Cup spot

Vaas, meanwhile, said that former Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal should have been picked in the World Cup squad. Chandimal is one of the several big names who have paid a price for their poor form in the last year or so.

“Chandi performed well (6, 34, 33, 80) in the ODI series against England in Sri Lanka and I thought he should have been in the side, this is my personal opinion. But it’s the selectors and coach who have chosen the team,” opined Chaminda Vaas.

[interaction id=”5cbd69446fdf9a4c0be42c9d”]

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from the Indian Premier League, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.