I was not surprised to see Mumbai Indians leave me, says Lasith Malinga

Veteran Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga had been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians setup in the first ten editions of the IPL. But when the IPL 2018 Auctions beckoned, the MI camp stunned quite a few by not going forward to retain his services. Malinga, the top performer for Mumbai Indians over the years, found no takers at the auctions this year.

As per the recent quotes in IBTimes, Lasith Malinga revealed that he was not surprised by the decision of MI to leave him out of the side. Recently, MI roped in Malinga in the capacity of the bowling mentor of the side. Malinga noted that the team management had spoken to him about their plans going forward. They wished to create a new crop of bowlers and hence, Malinga did not fit the bill.

“I was not surprised at (Mumbai’s) decision not to have retained me. I had 10 very good years with Mumbai Indians and I achieved a lot. But this year, the owners spoke to me and told me about their vision going forward,” quoted Lasith Malinga.

“They wanted to create a good team for the next three years. I also understand that my time in competitive cricket is over now. I am 34 years old and not getting any younger. I feel this is the right time to make a career move,” he added further.

On starting the new innings as mentor

Speaking further on the same note, Lasith Malinga noted that he is quite excited to start his new innings as the team mentor at the MI camp. He remarked that his job as the mentor will be to pass on all the knowledge that he has to the younger brigade of fast bowlers.

“Mumbai Indians had the mentorship role in mind and I am happy to start a new innings. My job as a mentor will now give me an opportunity to guide the next crop of fast bowlers. I will pass on my knowledge to them and also it will be an opportunity to assess myself in the coaching arena,” said Malinga.

‘Announcing the retirement soon’

So what next for Malinga in international cricket? The fiery pace bowler remarked that he is set to announce his retirement sometime soon. He is currently playing in the St. Moritz Ice Cricket. When he heads back to Sri Lanka, he will talk to the national cricket board and come to a final decision on his retirement.

“Mentally, I am over with playing cricket. I don’t think I will play international cricket anymore. I am planning to announce my retirement soon. I have not spoken to Sri Lanka Cricket but once I go back, I will have to again go through the domestic grind, see how my body responds. Everyone gets that signal. Even the great Wasim Akram knew when his time was up,” he conceded.

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