Former Sri Lankan legend Chaminda Vaas comments on Babar Azam and Virat Kohli 

The Lanka Premier League 2023 is off to a thrilling start, with the Colombo Strikers bouncing back from an opening match defeat to secure their maiden victory against B-Love Kandy. The star-studded Colombo squad, led by none other than the charismatic Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, set the stage ablaze with his scintillating performance, slamming his maiden LPL half-century and catapulting his side to a memorable win on the points table.  

In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, we caught up with the current Colombo Strikers bowling coach and former Sri Lanka pacer, Chaminda Vaas. This cricketing luminary shared captivating insights about the LPL’s significance in Sri Lanka’s cricketing landscape, the enigmatic Babar Azam, and his thoughts on some of the modern-day greats like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson.  

Vaas speaks about Colombo’s preparations and Babar Azam’s strike rate 

The preparations for the Colombo Strikers have been nothing short of exceptional, with local and foreign players investing dedicated efforts in practice sessions. As the Pakistan Test series concluded, Babar Azam, the biggest name on the Colombo roster, joined the squad, bringing with him unparalleled talent and skill. However, in an intriguing twist, Babar opted to play solely as a batter, with the revered Niroshan Dickwella stepping up as the captain. Chaminda Vaas acknowledged Babar’s unmatched cricketing prowess and the valuable learning opportunities he brings to the young players. Excitement runs high as cricket enthusiasts eagerly await Babar Azam’s magical display in the Lanka Premier League. 

Concerns were raised about Babar’s strike rate in recent times, but Chaminda Vaas firmly affirmed his faith in the accomplished opener. Recognising Babar’s exceptional track record as an opener and his ability to score consistently, Vaas asserted that the team’s management, led by head coach Simon Helmot and assistant coach Jerome Jayaratna, would craft strategies to maximize Babar’s impact for the Colombo Strikers. 

The Lanka Premier League provides a golden opportunity for budding Sri Lankan cricketers to rise to prominence on the international stage. Chaminda Vaas stressed the importance of having competitive players from diverse cricketing backgrounds, such as Babar Azam and Naseem Shah, in the tournament. With star players like David Miller from Australia and others from South Africa showcasing their brilliance, young talents can soak in invaluable experiences and knowledge. Being in the company of such luminaries, the local cricketers have a chance to sharpen their skills and elevate their game to new heights. 

As cricket evolves, the workload on players has been a point of concern, leading to debates about the diminishing number of all-format players. Chaminda Vaas emphasized that fitness plays a pivotal role in determining a player’s ability to excel in all three formats. Emphasizing that even the running between the wickets has evolved, Vaas encouraged players to focus on physical and mental fitness to thrive across all formats and leagues. Smart cricket, adapted effectively by England, Australia, and India, stands as the pathway to success in modern-day cricket. 

Vaas hails Kohli as a dominant force in Cricket 

Turning attention to Indian cricket, Vaas highlighted the top-order’s vulnerability against left-arm seamers who can bring the ball back in. Speaking from a bowler’s perspective, Vaas elucidated the challenge posed by left-armers like Trent Boult and Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose natural inclination is to bring the ball in. The key lies in executing this skill with precision, trapping even the best batters in the world with well-placed deliveries. 

In recent times, Indian cricket’s beloved Virat Kohli has faced scrutiny for a few technical glitches. However, Chaminda Vaas assured that a player of Kohli’s calibre will always be a force to reckon with. Acknowledging that expectations run high for Kohli due to his consistent performances, Vaas highlighted the need to recognize that even the best players may face lean patches. However, Kohli’s exceptional fitness and technique continue to command immense respect. 

Discussing Kohli’s prospects of breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s records, Vaas humbly noted that records are meant to be broken. As Kohli, a youthful force in cricket, continues to deliver outstanding performances, age stands as a mere number. Vaas believed that Kohli’s dedication and exceptional talent would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Indian cricket, alongside the legacy of remarkable players from different generations.

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