Mumbai: The former left-arm bowler was however guarded when talking about his own country’s chances in the showpiece event, while mentioning pacer Lasith Malinga as a key factor.
“Indian cricket has been dominating in the last two-three years. It has good back-up fast bowlers and it will do wonders. Indian team is very balanced and my prediction is India will definitely reach the semi-finals (in the WC),” Vaas told reporters here.
Vaas is on a visit to Mumbai to inaugurate a local T20 tournament along with former teammate Rangana Herath. On Lanka’s chances, he said, “For the last few months, it hasn’t done so well. But if you analyse the combination of the team, I’m pretty sure the selectors have done the right thing. We have to take it from there and it’s up to the players to get themselves in and play well for the country,” he stated.
“There is no doubt Malinga is one of the best in the world. We depend on him as a bowler and he has showed his leadership qualities. He has given 100 per cent for the team. We have seen him playing in Mumbai (in IPL) on one day and playing in Sri Lanka (in a domestic event) the next. It shows the commitment he has, and the commitment he has given to the team and the country. He will be the key,” said Vaas, who has 400 ODI and 355 Test wickets to his credit.
The Sri Lanka selectors have handed over Cup captaincy to Dimuth Karunaratne. Vaas was optimistic that the island nation would stand united behind the new captain and do well in the marquee event.
“Well, it is very difficult to say anything about it because for the past six months we (SL) have been selecting captains and they haven’t given anything to the team. We lack in experience and performance in the middle. But the selectors and SL cricket have put their trust in Dimuth and given him an opportunity to captain the side. I’m sure the team will unite and do well,” he hoped.