(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Former Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga is all set to join the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians as the bowling coach for the upcoming season of the tournament
Malinga had been associated with the MI franchise since the inaugural edition of the cash-rich league. Until 2017, he played for the Mumbai-based team, but after that, he took up the role of the mentor for the year 2018. He returned in 2019 as player and won the trophy for his team, bowling a tournament-winning final over versus Chennai Super Kings. He played his last IPL game in 2019.
In 2022, Malinga joined the Rajasthan Royals as the fast-bowling coach, and after serving for RR for two years, he is all set to contribute to MI’s success. Malinga has won four IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019.
The news came three days after Shane Bond ended his nine-year bowling coaching career with the Mumbai-based franchise. Malinga is all set to carry forward the pace bowling legacy of one of the most successful IPL franchises.
Notably, Malinga is also associated as the bowling coach for MI New York in Major League Cricket and MI Cape Town in SA20. In IPL 2024, the legendary speedster will work closely with head coach Mark Boucher and batting coach Kieron Pollard.
“It is truly an honor for me to be appointed the bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians and my journey in the #OneFamily continues, following MI New York and MI Cape Town,” Malinga stated in an MI release.
“I am looking forward to working closely with Mark, Polly, Rohit and the rest of the team, especially the bowling unit, whose approach I loved last season, and the young MI talent that has the potential to excel, backed by the passionate MI Paltan,” he added.