Not Mitchell Starc! Varun Aaron picks the greatest overseas pacer in IPL history

Former Team India fast bowler Varun Aaron recently participated in a 'This or That' game to choose the greatest overseas pacer in IPL history. The cricketer-turned-commentator picked former Mumbai Indians (MI) fast bowler Lasith Malinga as the greatest overseas pacer in the cash-rich tournament.

Varun Aaron was one of the few genuine fast bowlers in India during his playing career. He came into the limelight after consistently bowling at high speeds. Varun has played for five IPL franchises and took 44 wickets across 52 matches. He last played in the tournament for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2022.

Also Read: Travis Head confirms being in love with Rohit Sharma

Watch: Varun Aaron Picks Lasith Malinga as Greatest Overseas Pacer in IPL

In a video shared by ESPNcricinfo on X (formerly known as Twitter), Varun Aaron played the popular 'This or That' game. In this game, the former Indian cricketer had to pick one overseas IPL pacer over another based on who he felt was the better player.

The game started with Mustafizur Rahman and Mitchell Johnson. Varun picked Johnson over Anrich Nortje, Morne Morkel, Pat Cummins, Mitch McClenaghan, and Andrew Tye as well. He chose Dale Steyn over the Australian fast bowler.

Varun Aaron picked Trent Boult over Johnson. He continued to pick Boult over Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Varun gave up on the New Zealand seamer when Lasith Malinga's name came up. He continued with Malinga over Kagiso Rabada and Dwayne Bravo in the 'This or That' game.

You can see the video below:

Varun Aaron has to choose the GREATEST overseas pacer in IPL history 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tqInyHs45R

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 12, 2025

Lasith Malinga Among Leading Wicket-Takers in IPL History

Lasith Malinga, known for his pinpoint yorkers, had an extraordinary IPL career as a player. The Sri Lankan speedster played 122 matches across nine seasons, picking up 170 wickets at an average of 19.85 and an economy rate of just 7.16. Malinga ranks eighth among the leading wicket-takers in IPL history.

The 41-year-old was part of Mumbai Indians’ title-winning campaigns in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019. He famously defended nine runs in the final over to clinch the title in the 2019 IPL final.

Following his retirement after the 2019 season, Malinga joined the Rajasthan Royals as a bowling coach. He later rejoined the Mumbai Indians in the same role after the franchise parted ways with Shane Bond post-IPL 2023.

Lasith Malinga's MI Struggling in IPL 2025

The Mumbai Indians have had a disappointing start to their IPL 2025 campaign. They began the season with back-to-back defeats against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT).

MI gained some momentum with a win in their first home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but their form dipped again with two more losses in a row. After five matches, they’ve managed just one victory and are currently placed eighth on the points table with only two points.

The Hardik Pandya-led team will take on Delhi Capitals (DC), led by Axar Patel, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. This match will commence at 7:30 pm on Sunday, April 13.

Also read: Glenn Phillips suffers a horrific exit from IPL 2025; flies back to New Zealand