Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Friday (March 11) roped in Lasith Malinga as fast bowling coach for the upcoming season.

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, the official handle of RR confirmed the appointment with a post.

“*kisses the ball* Lasith Malinga. IPL. Pink,” tweeted Royals, sharing a creative graphic showing Malinga's appointment as the pace bowling coach.

The former Sri Lanka pacer was associated with Mumbai Indians (MI) since 2009. He played a key role in MI’s multiple triumphs over the years and also served the franchise as a bowling mentor in the past.

Lasith Malinga, who retired from the game last year, is also the highest wicket-taker in IPL history. In 122 IPL games, he has claimed 170 scalps with an economy of 7.14 and the best figures of 5/13.

"It's a wonderful feeling for me to return to the IPL and an absolute honour to join Rajasthan Royals, a franchise that has always promoted and developed young talent," Malinga said in a press release issued by RR.

"I am excited by the pace bowling unit we have going into the tournament and looking forward to supporting all the fast bowlers with the execution of their game-plans and their overall development. I've made some very special memories in the IPL with Mumbai Indians and now with Royals, looking forward to new experiences and creating great memories in this journey."

The 2022 edition of IPL is due to get underway on March 26 while the Rajasthan Royals will open their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 29.