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Lanka cricket has taken vast strides - Dilip
By Bernie Wijesekera
Former Indian test batsman Dilip Vengsarkar, at present a technical advisor to the Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) is here to make his observations in the ongoing Vedeocon Emergence Trophy 50-over tournament.

Dilip was here in 1996 to take part in the Benefit Match organised for Duleep Mendis and Roy Dias. It was played at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The other internationals, who took part in this Benefit Match were Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, Steve Waugh, M. Azharudeen, Abdul Qadir etc.

Dilip was interviewed by The Sunday Times at "P. Sara" Stadium in the abandoned match between Sri Lanka and India due to fickle conditions (on Oct. one).
He said, Sri Lanka cricket has made vast strides since his last visit here.

The game has developed all round. The ground conditions are good. There is plenty of facilities. The Cricket Board has started with an Academy. Besides past cricketers like Anura Tennakoon, Bandula Warnapura, Duleep Mendis etc., has been drafted to the mainstream to develop the game. They have the knowhow and experience to help the game at grassroots level.

In what way are you serving the BCCI? I am attached to the Cricket Academy in Bangalore? On this tour I am here to make my observations. Are there future prospects, who could make the grade? Yes. plenty. There are quite a number of lively young fast bowlers - Avishkar Salvi, Irfan Pathan, Balaji and Piyush Chawla. India, too is going for fast bowlers. That's the trend at present. But the Academy is not overlooking the spin department. it's being handled by the likes of Erapalli Prasanna, Chandrasekhar. B.S. Bedi and Venkataraghavan.

What about the batting? There are a quite number of them who could make the grade before long. They have the technique. This is vital for any form of the game.
Could you name some of the batting prospects? A.T. Rayudu, Akash Chopra, Poyush Chawala. The youngsters need the exposure. India and Sri Lanka should make more reciprocal tours be it Under-15, 17 and 19. This will benefit both countries and the players to indulge in competitive cricket. Dilip said, there will be a hive of activity at the end of 2003, with tours against new Zealand and Australia. Both teams are well equipped in every department of the game. It will be very competitive and generate tremendous excitement.

Sachin Tendulkar is fit and will give the Indian tremendous strength and a source of inspiration to the youngsters with his experience. The youngsters will be given the exposure. Both series will be evenly contested he said. Sri Lanka's batting stylist Roy Dias is doing a very good job with the emerging nation in cricket in Nepal. They are improving fast in the Asian region.

Dilip is a past Captain of India and has led the country from the front with his exploits with his blazing willow. He has played in 116 tests - scored 6868 test runs, including 17 hundreds. Played 130 one-dayers with 3, 500 runs to his credit. Has made runs not only at his own backyard, but thrilled fans abroad, too with batting artistry.

He said every nation has to face setbacks on and off the field at some stage. But all must rally around for common cause to uplift its image. Forget about other issues. Dilip will return home on Oct. 5.

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