Former Sri Lanka pacer Chaminda Vaas reckons Umran Malik, who has thrilled everyone with his pace in the IPL, will become a “great bowler” for India.

Playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad this IPL, the fast bowler from Jammu has been impressive, consistently clocking above 150kmph. He has so far taken 21 wickets, with best figures of five for 25, and is the fourth highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

“I think he (Umran) is getting better day by day and I saw him playing in the last IPL as well. He is bowling consistently and accuracy is important when it comes to T20. And he will be a great bowler for India. He will be there with (Jasprit) Bumrah, I guess if India gives him a chance. He will go a long way,” Vaas told reporters here.

The former left-arm seamer, who has 355 wickets in 111 Tests, is in the city to coach children of the Mumbai Cricket Club.

The IPL has also seen Sri Lanka players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dushmantha Chameera among others perform well and Vaas feels it will pave the way for the younger cricketers in the island nation.

“I am so glad that in this IPL, most of the Sri Lankans got opportunities and they believe in themselves that they can (play) a bigger role in the IPL. And the best example is Wanindu (Hasaranga).

“Wanindu is a star and he has always performed well in the Sri Lanka team but here (in the IPL) he is just amazing,” said Vaas.

“Dushmantha has come a long way. I was working with the national set-up for eight months and he has improved a lot. I am already pleased with his performance and he will be a future star,” he added.