IPL 2018: Lasith Malinga roped in by the Mumbai Indians franchise

Veteran Sri Lankan cricketer Lasith Malinga has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians set up over the years. The bowler has been leading the bowling department for the three-time IPL champions. However, when Malinga went unsold at the recently concluded IPL 2018 auctions, many could not believe their eyes. They were stunned to see a legend go unsold in the tournament where he had achieved so much.

The Mumbai Indians have always believed in retaining their core group of players. No wonder why they went all out during the auctions this year to get back the services of Krunal Pandya and Kieron Pollard. However, they did not show similar interests for Lasith Malinga and Harbhajan Singh. While Harbhajan found another taker in Chennai Super Kings, Lasith Malinga went unsold.

But now, much to the relief of the fans of the Mumbai Indians and the veteran cricketer, Malinga has been roped in by the Mumbai Indians franchise for the upcoming edition of the IPL tournament. Well, Malinga will not be a part of the playing group of cricketers though. He is set to join the MI camp in the capacity of the bowling mentor of the franchise. The news was recently announced by the team management.

Career as MI campaigner

It is worth noting that Lasith Malinga had an illustrious career as a cricketer in the IPL. He had missed out in the initial edition of the tournament owing to injury concerns. But the fiery pacer was at his best in the 2009 editions. In the 2011 edition of the tournament, Malinga had won the coveted Purple Cap for having scalped 28 wickets in 16 matches.

He was a key member of the Mumbai Indians team during all their three triumphant outings in the years 2013, 2015, and 2017. In all, Malinga has played 110 matches for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He has 154 wickets to his name with a best of 5/13. He averages 19.01 with the ball in the tournament and has an economy rate under 7. While these numbers are impressive, his recent performances have only been a shadow of his reputation. He has failed to live up to his name and is not a part of the national side as well.

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