IPL 2018: I am happy to start a new innings- Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga was left out by the Mumbai Indians squad in the recently held Indian Premier League (IPL) auction after the player had played for the franchise in the first decade of the tournament.

Malinga went unsold in the two-day IPL mega-auction. But he has been recalled by the Mumbai camp as the bowling mentor. Malinga has played for Mumbai Indians in 110 matches in which he took 154 wickets. He was also the Purple Cap holder in the 2011 IPL season.

The 34-year-old Malinga has been struggling to find a place for himself in the national side and last played for Sri Lanka against India in the one-off T20I in 2017.

Malinga, a veteran of 204 ODIs and over 300 T20s in various T20 leagues.

The prominent bowler Malinga will join the support staff headed by coach Mahela Jayawardene, bowling coach Shane Bond, batting coach Robin Singh and newly-appointed fielding coach James Pemment.

On being appointed as the bowling coach by the Mumbai Indians, Malinga said, “I was not surprised at their decision not to have retained me. I had 10 very good years with Mumbai Indians and I achieved a lot. But this year, the owners spoke to me and told me about their vision going forward. They wanted to create a good team for the next three years. I also understand that my time in competitive cricket is over now.” 

“I am 34-years-old and not getting any younger. And I feel this is the right time to make a career move. Mumbai Indians had the mentorship role in mind and I am happy to start a new innings. My job as a mentor will now give me an opportunity to guide the next crop of fast bowlers. I will pass on my knowledge to them and also it will be an opportunity to assess myself in the coaching arena,” Maling concluded.

Here’s the news feed:

IPL 2018: Malinga mulls retirement before mentoring Mumbai Indians

IPL 2018: Mumbai Indians Appoint Malinga as Bowling Mentor