In the batsman dominated format of twenty 20, what does it take for a bowler to control the game? This is exactly what Chaminda Vaas has been doing in the third edition of the IPL as the leading bowler of the tournament so far. Sixteen years of surviving the gruelling demands of international cricket as a fast bowler requires passion, determination, commitment, hard work, fitness and skill.
 The Sunday Times India correspondent Fowzi caught up with a focused and determined Vaas at his hotel in Chennai before the Deccan Chargers match against Chennai Superkings.
Q:You have given the IPL quite a start with a wicket off the first ball of the tournament. The perfect start for yourself as well. How do you feel?
A: I feel great. I cannot complain. I had a great twenty 20 domestic tournament and am looking forward to playing here.
Q: You seem to be at your peak even now?
A: Cricket is my passion. Every game is important to a cricketer. Once it is over, the previous game is history and you motivate yourself for the next game.
Q: How do you see your own career progressing in the IPL?
A: I am enjoying it right now. Every game is very crucial for me. This is the later stage of my career and I am taking every game seriously.
Q:Is there a fitness regimen that you follow?
A: Fitness comes first. When I started playing for my country, I always stuck to my basics. I never let it go. I sacrificed a lot of things. Training has always been a big passion for me.
Q: Fast bowlers have a shorter career than others. Injuries are on the increase, do you think there is too much cricket?
A: There are two things. One is the way you bowl and the other is that your fitness regime. With three versions of cricket, fitness is priority. Whether you gym, or train you need to have some luck as well to prepare and play consistently for the three versions.
Q:Having achieved so much already, how do you manage to keep yourself motivated?
A: When I started cricket, I was 8 years old. I wanted to be a cricketer from a young age. Even now, I wake up with the same feeling. I still have cricket left in my body. I believe I can deliver wherever I play.
Q:And what about your future in Sri Lankan cricket?
A: I am planning to play till the next World Cup. My main objective to play for my country again and I want to play in the World Cup. I am trying my best to get back into the team and do well for my country. So every game is important for me. I am trying to learn from mistakes and deliver for the team and me as well. I want to come back to the Sri Lanka side definitely.
Q:We have seen some bowlers come in and bowl fast, but soon seem to lose their pace. Your thoughts?
A: It is partly due to the amount of cricket played. Playing all 3 formats means reduced fitness. Earlier, there was less cricket and you could regain lost energy by training. Now, if you go flat out, you cannot sustain it beyond 2-3 years.
Q:This seems to be a little different for Australian and South African players?
A: Take Australia, their technology is so high. They get young guys in at 18 to 19 years and they give them a schedule to train hard. Within 6 months, he is bowling at 140 kmph, even if he was bowling earlier at 125-130. With the quality of training acadmies , expertise, skills and technology they can produce fast bowlers. We lack that in the sub continent.
Q:Having played in an era when test cricket was important, and having played through the big change period, which format is your personal favourite?
A; I still prefer to play test cricket which tests your skill and endurance. But I also enjoy playing 50 overs and T20. I love playing any format, but test cricket is unique.
Q:What next after cricket?
A: I have few options. I have a wonderful family with 3 kids and I have to look after them. I am working for a bank and might work for them for 2 years or so. After that, I would like to do something in cricket. Like training youngsters, opening an academy and giving back whatever I have learnt from cricket and outside of cricket.
Q:What about media and politics?
A: I haven’t really thought about media. I also have no idea to enter politics. After playing so much cricket, I now want to spend time with the kids. Even my wife does not wish me to be in politics. I may support a party, but will not directly get involved.
Q:Spending so much time in India, what have been your favourite Indian foods?
A: Parathas, dosas and idlis
Q:Would you like to give any message to your fans?
A: Cricket has to go forward. Role models change from time to time. I will try my best to do well and keep my fans happy all the time. I believe in the God above, He has given me blessings to play 16 years of cricket and I hope He will bless me to play more as well.
Vaas has the last laugh
By Marlon Fernandopulle
He got off to a flyer at the beginning of the current IPL tournament with a wicket in the very first ball he bowled and followed it up with another wicket in the next over. After just three games he captured seven wickets and is the leading wicket taker in the tournament.
His economy rate (6.36),Average (10.0) and Strike rate (9.4) is right at the top among the very best. However Chaminda Vaas that left arm medium pacer was not in the reckoning when the National Cricket Selectors picked a preliminary 30 man squad for the T-20 World Cup. Among some of the reasons for his omission was Age and lack of practice.
While most of Sri Lanka’s young medium paces were sitting in their respective dug-outs and watching the IPL from the benches or from the comfort of their homes, Vaas was simply proving a point in the center. It appears that the Sri Lankan left armer has still some tricks up his sleeves despite losing a few yards of pace in recent years. This was proved in no uncertain terms when on Friday night he dismissed Kings Eleven Punjab skipper Kumar Sangakkara for a third ball duck .Sanga who took a few steps forward when he faced the first ball was craftily undone by a Vassy Off –cutter which was dragged on to the stumps. No doubt the Lankan skipper was shell shocked at his dismissal at the hands of an ageing bowler who lacked the so called pace and not good enough to be in a squad of thirty.
However Vass who knew he had got his man and a prized catch inside three balls, did not appear to be overjoyed but simply celebrated the moment with a few high fives with his team mates. Sangakkara had to walk back disappointed at his dismissal at the hands of a bowler who he believes has passed his prime time and not good enough to represent his Country.
But for Chaminda Vaas who went on to pick the wicket of Yuvraj Singh in his next over, it was a point to prove not only to the Lankan Captain but also to the National Selectors that it’s not just pace and young legs that matter but experience and a mature cricket |
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