Lasith Malinga is set to return to his former Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) as their fast-bowling coach for the next season. Malinga will leave Rajasthan Royals (RR) and replace former Kiwi speedster Shane Bond who has held the position for nine seasons.
Malinga retired in 2021. In the next season, he joined inaugural IPL season winners RR as their fast-bowling coach. Before spending two seasons at RR, Malinga had also taken up the role of five-time IPL champions MI's mentor in 2018. In IPL 2019, Malinga joined forces with Jasprit Bumrah to guide Rohit Sharma-led side to their fourth IPL title.
Malinga’s IPL record
Malinga has played a total of 122 matches for MI. The Sri Lankan pacer has 170 wickets at a strike rate of 16.63 and conceded runs at an economy rate of 7.14 runs per over. He has six four-fers and one fifer to his name.
MI’s slump
Since winning the title in IPL 2020, MI have faced a massive slump. In IPL 2021, they narrowly missed out on the qualifiers spot after finishing fifth on the points table. It turned from bad to worse in IPL 2022 as they finished at the bottom of the table. In IPL 2023, they lost to Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 2.
More changes in IPL franchises
Earlier this week, there was a chance in Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as well. Former India selector MSK Prasad joined LSG as their strategic consultant.
"His involvement at RPSG Sports will be instrumental in providing essential guidance across a spectrum of critical domains as head of talent search, talent development, and our academy business," Super Giants said on their website.
Earlier this month, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) replaced their head coach Mike Hesson with former Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Andy Flower took the job after leaving LSG.
“We have an exciting roster of players to work with, and I recognise and will relish both the amazing opportunity with RCB but also the responsibility that comes with the role. It is a great challenge, and I can’t wait to get started,” Flower had said after his appointment.
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