Mumbai Indians appoint Lasith Malinga as bowling mentor
Defending IPL champions, Mumbai Indians, have appointed Lasith Malinga as their bowling mentor and he will join head coach Mahela Jayawardene and bowling coach Shane Bond in the MI backroom staff. The Sri Lankan pacer has played 110 matches for Mumbai winning three titles and claiming 157 wickets.
After going unsold in IPL’s mega-auction last month, the 34-year-old will surely delighted to be a part of the side as a mentor. Mumbai have added the likes of Pat Cummins and Mustafizur Rahman to their bowling arsenal after parting ways with their old soldier, but believe that the veteran will come as a great help for the young talents in the team.
“Mumbai Indians has proven record of scouting and bringing forth the young talents at the national stage. It will be a boon for these youngsters as well the established ones to have the combined force of Shane Bond and Lasith Malinga to back them,” said Aakash Ambani after Malinga’s appointment, reported PTI.
“Malinga has been a pillar of strength for Mumbai Indians since the inception of the team, and his passion for the team will help us achieve new heights.”
Malinga was brought into the Mumbai Indians setup back in 2009 as the side was reeling from a poor debut season in the league. Though he was an instant success at the Wankhede claiming 18 wickets in his debut season, silverware only came four years later when Mumbai first lifted the IPL title in 2013. However, after claiming 24 wickets in 2015 (his best in IPL), he didn’t feature in 2016 and could only take 11 wickets last season, hinting that his end was near.
Malinga will join the support staff headed by Jayawardene, bowling coach Bond, batting coach Robin Singh, and newly appointed fielding coach James Pemment.
“It’s a great opportunity to be present with, and an honour to continue my association with Mumbai Indians. 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,” said Malinga.