Mumbai Indians, on Wednesday, appointed Sri Lankan international cricketer and one of its longest-serving players Lasith Malinga as the bowling mentor for the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).
Malinga has been the core of Mumbai Indians winning combination in the last decade. The Sri Lankan has donned the prestigious Mumbai Indians jersey featuring in 110 matches of the 157 matches the team have played so far.
A veteran of over 200 ODIs and 300 T20s, Malinga will join the support staff headed by coach Mahela Jayawardane, bowling coach Shane 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 on his new appointment.
Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani feels having Malinga as a mentor will serve a great benefit to the young talents the franchise has 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 Akash Ambani.
“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,” added Ambani.
Mumbai Indians squad:
Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Krunal Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Pat Cummins, Evin Lewis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ben Cutting, Mustafizur Rahman, Rahul Chahar, Pradeep Sangwan, Jason Behrendorff, Jean-Paul Duminy, Saurabh Tiwary, Tajinder Dhillon, Akila Dhananjaya, Nidheesh M D Dinesan, Aditya Tare, Siddhesh Dinesh Lad, Mayank Markande, Sharad Lumba, Anukul Roy, Mohsin Khan