'IPL won't be the same without you' - Jasprit Bumrah pays heartwarming tribute to former teammate Lasith Malinga

India star Jasprit Bumrah has paid a heartwarming tribute to his former IPL teammate Lasith Malinga after the latter announced his retirement from franchise cricket. The veteran Sri Lankan pacer brought down curtains on his glorious career on Wednesday after being released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the auction for IPL 2021.

In a statement, Mumbai Indians announced that Malinga had informed them of his decision to retire from franchise cricket earlier this month. While paying his tribute to the legendary pacer, franchise owner Akash Ambani said that while the team respects his decision but he would have liked him to be a part of the attack for another five years.

Malinga has retired from IPL as its most successful bowler. He is one of the prime reasons behind the team’s stunning success over the years. The right-arm pacer was plying his trade for Mumbai Indians since 2009 and picked up an impressive 170 IPL wickets in 122 matches. He last played in 2019, where he bowled a match-winning final over to give MI their record fourth IPL title win. Last year, he pulled out of the tournament, citing personal reasons.

Jasprit Bumrah’s tribute for Lasith Malinga

Jasprit Bumrah, on Thursday, took to Twitter to post a brilliant tribute for Lasith Malinga. In the past, Bumrah had spoken about Malinga’s role in his career. The India pace spearhead had said how the Sri Lankan had mentored him when he joined the Mumbai-based franchise in 2013. In his latest message for Malinga, Bumrah echoed the same sentiments.

Bumrah posted a couple of pictures of himself with the Sri Lankan great and wrote that it was an honour for him to play with the veteran. Bumrah also highlighted that he was lucky to pick Malinga’s brain as he tweeted:

“It’s been an honour playing alongside you and picking your brain all these years, Mali. Congratulations on a successful career, the IPL won’t be the same without you.  @mipaltan”

It’s been an honour playing alongside you and picking your brain all these years, Mali. Congratulations on a successful career, the IPL won’t be the same without you. @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/9XIPr13dtN

— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) January 21, 2021

Meanwhile, Bumrah recently returned home after the successful tour of Australia where India won the Border-Gavaskar Test series 2-1. Bumrah is set to start his preparation soon for the home Test series against England next month. The pacer is gearing up for his first Test on home soil.