Malinga as a player has been struggling with injuries for a while and his games have been very few far in between for Srilanka or any t20 side around the world.
Injuries have hampered him into half the bowler he once was, with his effectiveness at the death and with the new ball not really there Mumbai firstly decided not to retain him as a player and what followed was that no one bought him in the IPL auctions recently as well.
Once a crowd favorite at the Wankhede Stadium, and the schooling institution for talents like Jasprit Bhumrah. Which Bhumrah still gives credit to Malinga for.
Lasith Malinga the Srilankan bowling stalwart has been appointed the bowling coach of the three times IPL champion Mumbai Indians for the 2018 IPL.
🔟 glorious years 🙌
5⃣ trophies 🏆
1⃣7⃣9⃣ wickets 💥Paltan, are you excited to welcome back MA-LIN-GA at MI?#CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/8zqHHnIVFI
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 8, 2018
“It”s a great opportunity to be present with, and an honor to continue my association with Mumbai Indians,” Malinga was quoted as saying in a statement. “Mumbai has been my home away from home for the last decade. As a player, I have enjoyed the journey with Mumbai Indians and now as a mentor, I look forward to the new chapter.”
Mumbai Indians appointed Lasith Malinga as the Bowling Mentor for the upcoming #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/xfMAdOzEIu
— ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2018
In his long and distinguished international career, Malinga, 34, has featured in 30 Tests, 204 ODIs and 68 T20Is for Sri Lanka. He has also played 127 games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and Champions League T20 and is the highest-wicket taker for the franchise with 179 scalps at an economy rate of 6.88.
However, Malinga, who had set his base price at INR 1 crore (USD 156,000 approx), went unsold at the IPL auctions last month. Considering his lofty standards, he had underachieved last season: Malinga picked up 11 wickets from 12 games at an economy rate of 8.52.
But, MI coach Mahela Jayawardena has perhaps played a big hand in having Malinga on board to help him bowling squad.
The body may not be the same but the mind is as sharp & intelligent as ever and Mumbai would like to dig deep into it for help.
Malinga”s appointment follows many marquee past players joining in an IPL franchise as a coach, consultant for various departments or mentorship.
