Mumbai: After finding no bidders in the IPL auctions, veteran Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga on Wednesday, has been roped in by his former franchise, the Mumbai Indians as their bowling mentor for the upcoming edition of the tournament.
The Sri Lankan has been one of the core members of the Mumbai outfit in the IPL over the years and has represented them in 110 matches out of the total 157 the franchise has played so far.
The 34-year-old, who has represented Sri Lanka in 204 ODIs and 68 T20Is, would thus be a part of the coaching staff which has countryman Mahela Jayawardene as head coach, former Kiwi pacer Shane Bond as the bowling coach and James Pemment as the fielding coach.
“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 mentor, I look forward to the new chapter,” Malinga said.
Akash Ambani, the owner of the franchise feels that the addition of someone with the calibre of Malinga would be highly beneficial for the young talent the side possesses.
“Mumbai Indians has proven record of scouting and bringing forth the young talents at national stage. It will be a boon for these youngsters as well the established ones to have the combine force of Shane Bond and Lasith Malinga to back them,” said Ambani.