NEW DELHI: Chaminda Vaas, the Sri Lankan cricket legend and World Cup winner, believes that a rare talent like Jasprit Bumrah, who is a once-in-a-generation fast bowler, should not participate in all three formats of the game. This approach is crucial to prevent injuries and extend his career.
Vaas emphasises that it is essential for the Indian selectors and team management to make thoughtful decisions regarding the formats Bumrah plays in and to implement strategies that prioritise his workload management.
"Players like Bumrah have a unique action, and we must protect individuals of such caliber. They can't play in all formats. We need to identify the suitable format and manage their participation accordingly," Vaas told reporters in Colombo on Friday.
Vaas provided valuable insights into the crucial task of preserving exceptional talents such as Bumrah and fostering their cricketing careers. He underscored the significance of effectively handling players like Bumrah, who are renowned for their distinctive bowling actions.
The legendary left-arm pace bowler expressed his belief that both Rohit Sharma, the captain, and the unparalleled Virat Kohli will be fully committed to securing a victory in the World Cup for India, and they will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of this goal.
"We all know that Virat is a special player and the way he performed for the last decade is extraordinary. Even Rohit, I'm pretty sure that they will give their 100% playing for India. All the fans are waiting to see these two performing. And I'm sure that they will go all out and try to do well for India," said Vaas.
Further, Vaas emphasised the critical role of nurturing emerging Lankan talents like Matheesha Pathirana to elevate them to the stature of global stars such as Bumrah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Vaas highlighted that it is imperative for Sri Lanka Cricket to safeguard these budding talents, effectively manage their workloads, and ensure their gradual development.
"Pathirana is still young. He is still 20 and he has a long way to go. But it's up to the Sri Lanka cricket establishment to protect him. If you are going to play 50 overs, we need to take care of him not to play all the games and especially Matheesha and taking care of him is very important," said Vaas.
(With PTI inputs)
