Lasith Malinga’s return to the Mumbai Indians (MI) team marks an exciting development. He is all set to make a comeback as the fast bowling coach for MI in IPL in 2024.
The news of Malinga’s return includes the information that he will assume the role previously occupied by Shane Bond, who is scheduled to depart from MI following an impressive nine-year tenure
Lasith Malinga had previously been a key player for MI, gracing the team from 2008 to 2020. During his time on the pitch, he made quite a mark by becoming the highest wicket-taker in the IPL tournament.
An impressive tally of 170 wickets in 122 IPL matches put him in the joint-sixth position for the most wickets taken in the T20 league. His remarkable journey culminated with his retirement in 2021.
Subsequently, the Sri Lankan cricket legend embarked on a new phase in his career. He joined the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as their pace-bowling coach for the IPL campaigns in 2022 and 2023. While RR managed to reach the finals in 2022, narrowly losing to eventual champions Gujarat Titans, their performance in the 2023 season was less noteworthy, finishing fifth in the points table and missing out on the knockout stage.
Malinga’s association with MI had been laden with success, as he clinched four IPL trophies with the team in the years 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in the 2020 season due to certain constraints. Furthermore, he added to MI’s glory by contributing to their victory in the Champions League T20 tournament in 2011.
According to ESPNCricinfo, this will be Malinga’s second stint with MI in a supporting role. In 2018, the towering fast bowler had served as their mentor, briefly stepping away from active play. He resumed his playing career a year later.
In his upcoming role as the fast bowling coach, the 39-year-old Malinga aims to nurture and refine the raw bowling talents within MI’s ranks. This will include players like Akash Madhwal, who demonstrated commendable performance in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah during IPL 2023.
The 2023 season showcased the prominence of only two MI bowlers who managed to secure more than 10 wickets. Akash Madhwal took 14 wickets in eight games, while Jason Behrendorff claimed 14 wickets in 12 games.