IMAGE: AFP


Chris Silverwood, the coach, predicted on Friday that Sri Lanka's Matheesha Pathirana will be the "X Factor" at the World Cup.


Although he has only participated in 10 ODIs and one T20, the 20-year-old, known as "Baby Malinga" for his imitation of compatriot Lasith Malinga's unconventional action, is expected to become one of the tournament's breakthrough stars.


His first opportunity to make an impression will be on Saturday when Sri Lanka, the 1996 World Cup champions, play South Africa in New Delhi.


"To get away from the orthodox bowling action, to see someone like Pathirana, for me it was, okay, how do I work with this guy?" Silverwood stated.


For more Latest news Follow Us On Facebook 


"Because I won't change his course of action, I find myself listening to him a lot. It is his, it is his, and it serves his needs.


"Teaching him how to bowl today in ODI cricket is important to me. Taking away his X Factor, which he possesses, is the last thing I want to do.


When they were teammates with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, Pathirana had an impression on MS Dhoni.


Pathirana should avoid playing in Tests and red-ball cricket in favor of the T20 short format, according to Dhoni.


Even the young player's ODI responsibilities, according to Dhoni, should be kept to a minimum.


However, Silverwood warned that if Pathirana went with such options, Sri Lankan cricket would suffer.


"I think it would be wrong for us not to have him out there and not let Sri Lankan people see what their young talented cricketers can do out on the cricket field," stated the former England fast bowler.


"When I see new talent, I get really enthusiastic because I watch as it spreads its wings and soars. Let's see what they can accomplish.


The future of ODI cricket and even the World Cup's applicability are in doubt.


Fans trickled in for the opening game of the tournament on Thursday between the defending champions England and New Zealand at Ahmedabad's massive 132,000-seat stadium.


In the final phases, officials asserted that there were 40,000 individuals in the ground, but many in attendance thought the estimate was optimistic.


"T20 is here to stay and it's a beast of its own now and I don't think you can do anything about that," said Silverwood.


"It's appealing and has all the glitz and glitter, especially when you compare it to the IPL and the glitz and glamour that surrounds it as well as the money that is available for the players.


"But if we and all the teams here can put on a good show and show that this format of a game is great as well, I think it will go a long way to promoting it."