Malinga had gone back to take part in the domestic Super Provincial One-day tournament for Galle.
Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga has returned to Mumbai Indians camp on the eve of franchise's next Indian Premier League game at home versus Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday (April 10).
Malinga had flown back home after the match against Chennai Super Kings one week back to participate in the Super Provincial One-day tournament - an event made necessary to play by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for Island cricketers to be eligible for a place in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.
Having now made a comeback to India, Malinga was seen bowling in the nets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Malinga's replacement Alzarri Joseph, the West Indies fast bowler, made a fantastic IPL debut in Mumbai Indians' last encounter, against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Alzarri inflicted record-breaking figures of 6/12 to help his team win the game by a margin of 40 runs, despite protecting a target of just 137.
Hence, it will be interesting to see whether Malinga finds his slot back in the playing XI or not. The 35-year-old is in good form, though, as his domestic performances reflect. Malinga, playing for Galle, scalped seven wickets for just 49 runs to ensure that his team defeat Kandy by 156 runs.
But it is learnt, that he'll fly back again to play Galle's next match on Thursday. Malinga will be heading straight to the airport to take a flight after Mumbai Indians' match against Punjab. He will land in Colombo at around 5.30 am and head straight to the ground.
(Inputs from Sportstar)