For the IPL 2022 season, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have roped in Lasith Malinga as fast bowling coach and the former Sri Lanka pacer is excited to work with the fantastic bunch of players.
Malinga 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 is certainly a new thing for me to get into coaching and pass on my experience to the younger players. I have played this role before with Mumbai, and now I'm delighted to be working with Rajasthan Royals. It is a new place for me, but I'm enjoying my role so far working with such a talented group of bowlers," Malinga said.
Sharing his thoughts on the RR franchise, Malinga said, "The first thing that always stayed with me was the colour - pink. I always saw the team had good international and local players, and whenever I used to face them, it was tough. I think they were always very competitive and could beat any team on their day."
Lasith Malinga also revealed how his deal with the Royals was finalized.
"It was actually last year that Kumar (Sangakkara) asked me if I was interested. But with Covid and all the bubble restrictions, I didn't want to stay away from my family. But this year, having also worked with the Sri Lankan team, I felt I could use my experience and give back to the game that I love, by working with this group of players," expressed IPL's highest wicket-taker.
The Sri Lankan pace great also spoke about the Royals' new pace attack.
"I think we have a fantastic pace attack. You've got experienced overseas players like (Trent) Boult and (Nathan) Coulter-Nile, with whom I've worked before. Then we've got genuine Indian fast bowlers in Prasidh (Krishna) and (Navdeep) Saini, who have proven themselves at the highest level, and some new faces in Anunay Singh, Kuldeep Sen and Kuldip Yadav. In T20 cricket, I think little margins really matter, and I'm here to guide them to deliver their best in all situations," stated Malinga.
Lasith Malinga concluded with a message for the Royals fans.
"What I want to say to the fans is that we've got a fantastic bunch of players, who, in my opinion, can be future Indian stars. Each and every player is always trying their best - regardless of the results. Therefore, it's important to back them, and I feel this year we are going to make you happy and proud."
(With ANI inputs)
