Mumbai Indians 'world class' pace quartet excites Malinga

After being an integral part of the Mumbai Indians set up as a player since the inception of the competition, where he picked up 154 wickets from 110 matches, Malinga was appointed as a bowing mentor by the franchise on Wednesday.

As a player, Lasith Malinga helped Mumbai Indians to three IPL titles in 10 seasons.

 

Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga, who went unsold during the 2018 IPL auctions, is eager to embark on his new role as a mentor with Mumbai Indians.

READ:  Malinga appointed MI's bowling mentor

After being an integral part of the Mumbai Indians set up as a player since the inception of the competition, where he picked up 154 wickets from 110 matches, Malinga was appointed as a bowing mentor by the franchise on Wednesday.

Speaking to mumbaiindians.com , he said," I am very excited. It will be a new challenge for me, but I think it will be very interesting. It’s always great to work with young bowlers who are keen to learn."

Mumbai Indians will be heading into the 2018 IPL with the pace bowling quartet of Jasprit Bumrah, Mustafizur Rahman, Pat Cummins and Jason Behrendorff. The Sri Lankan gave his vote of confidence in the team's purchase from the auction. "I think they are really good bowlers. Bumrah, Mustafizur, Cummins, Jason; I think all of them are world class bowlers. We really have managed to bring in an excellent bunch of fast bowlers who can have a solid impact during the season," said Malinga.

The 34-year-old burst on to the international scene in 2004 for his unique slinging bowling action and his toe crushing yorkers. The 2014 ICC World T20 winner will be joining an already star studded coaching personnel of Mahela Jayawardene, Robin Singh and Shane Bond at the home of the three-time IPL champion. 

"It’s a great feeling. I’ve played with Mahela in the national side for a long time. Last year he was my coach. Now I will be working with him. So professionally our roles are switching but that doesn’t change the understanding of cricket we share.

"Apart from that, Shane Bond has been terrific with his job. We have seen the results in the last couple of seasons. Robin has been a part of the support staff for a long time, and we’ve worked together a lot. So, I think getting along with these greats will be easy for me," noted Malinga.