Most people think T20 is batters' game, but I still feel bowlers win matches: Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga, Mumbai Indians' (MI) bowling coach, spoke about the team's commitment to maintaining a proper fast-bowling unit ahead of the much-awaited 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). He expressed confidence in the return of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah as their addition will be a major boost for their IPL 2024 campaign. Bumrah, the ace Indian speedster had missed IPL 2023 due to back surgery, while Pandya joined MI through a high-profile trade from the Gujarat Titans and was named as their captain for the upcoming season. 

Speaking to reporters following the MI junior inter-school tournament, Malinga emphasized the impact Bumrah and Pandya could make for the team. He remarked on their fine form and anticipated their role as sources of inspiration for the younger bowlers within the side. 

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"Experience, we can't buy that. They are in top form as well. Bumrah has been playing Test cricket over the last few months and has performed really well. Plus, they have the knowledge and experience of T20 cricket. How they handle things, they can share with all the youngsters in our team. This is the best thing to have happened in MI," said Malinga as quoted by India Today.

The legendary Sri Lankan pacer went on to underscore the significance of bowlers in the T20 format, citing the form of Bumrah and Aksah Madhwal. He believes that the five-time IPL champions have a formidable fast-bowling unit, acknowledging their depth and class.

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"Most people think T20 is the batters' game, but I still feel bowlers win matches. That's why we (MI) want big-hearted bowlers. Like Boom (Bumrah) and Aksah Madhwal, for example. These are two good Indian bowlers who have experience of playing (for MI). MI always believes in having a proper fast-bowling unit. And I feel we have got that this time," the 40-year-old added.