Forget ranking,Sachin is a hero: Vaas

Then,with the bat he made a handy 38 in pretty quick time (22 balls) as Bagan were home and dry in 16 overs,winning by 6 wickets.

“This is the first time I played a club match in India. It’s a good feeling,especially when I contributed with both bat and ball. I’m really glad that we won the match,” Vaas said. “I want to contribute in whatever way I can. These youngsters are the future of Indian cricket. My captain Manoj Tiwary is a fantastic player. It would be an honour to assist them,” he added.

Generally,club cricket in Kolkata doesn’t attract more than a few onlookers.

But today was different. A few hundred turned out to see the Sri Lankan great in action and they were satisfied.

But more than his bowling (1 for 16 in 4 overs),it was his batting that delighted the crowd.

 “I’m basically a fast bowler. But at this level,you got to bat as well. When you get older,you have to get runs as well. I always enjoy batting whenever I get a chance,whether it’s at club level or international level.”

The Sri Lankan selectors omitted him from the squad that would be touring Pakistan. Vaas,however,appears unperturbed. “The selectors are having a different view and they are trying out a few youngsters to give them some exposure before the World Cup. That’s fair enough,for the youngsters need opportunity to come up and showcase their talent,” he said,adding: “I am always there… I am playing Test cricket,but I’m there for one-day cricket as well.

“I am fit enough for both and am looking forward to get back into the side.”

Questions regarding the ICC’s all time Test ranking had to come,and Vaas was ready. “Ranking doesn’t matter for Sachin. He is a great cricketer and has been scoring runs consistently over the past 20 years. He is a hero for this country and for the budding cricketers everywhere,” he observed.

He was also all praise for Zaheer Khan. “Zaheer has improved a lot. Especially,after the England series. He is bowling in the right areas,getting good pace and swing,” — another feather in Zaheer’s cap after Wasim Akram rated him as the best in the business at the moment.

About his Sri Lankan team-mate Ajantha Medis,Vaas feels that the young offie has a long career ahead.