Jasprit Bumrah is a quick learner and that’s why he is world’s best bowler: Lasith Malinga

Sri Lankan pace spearhead Lasith Malinga’s career got a second wind in 2018 despite losing some time on the sidelines with injuries and form issues. He is not only the leader of the pack but also a brilliant mentor for the young bowlers with whom he has been playing. His experience has also helped his franchise in IPL, the Mumbai Indians.

His career was revived when he decided to put himself back in IPL auction in 2019 and was bought by Mumbai Indians, for whom he was the bowling coach a year earlier. His presence in the franchise has been beneficial for one Indian bowler, who is doing wonders at the international level, Jasprit Bumrah. Both helped the MI team clinch its fourth IPL title as well.

He needs to improve on analysing the game

Jasprit Bumrah was discovered by the franchise in 2013 and slowly but surely has transformed into one of the best fast bowlers in the last 2-3 years. The credit of the same must go to Lasith Malinga, under whose guidance a raw piece of glass was shaped into an expensive diamond.

“When I met ‘Boom’ for the first time in 2013, he was a young kid. He had pace, but the only thing lacking was accuracy. But he was always willing to learn and was extremely committed to the game. He soon realized that in T20s, only skilful players can survive. He learned everything quickly — be it the slower ball, in-swinger or out-swinger. He has that confidence and that’s why he is No. 1 now,” Malinga was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Both Bumrah and Malinga have been instrumental in making Mumbai Indians perhaps the most successful T20 franchise in the world, given that Malinga bowled the team to win in the finals of the 2019 edition. Jasprit Bumrah is currently the no.1 ranked ODI bowler and has been amazing for the Indian team in the tournament, picking 14 wickets in seven matches thus far.

“I don’t think he has any pressure. That’s why he can deliver six yorkers and one slow ball at ease. I hope in the next one year he improves on how to analyze a game. Then, nobody can beat him. Trust me on that,” Malinga further added. The master and the apprentice will come face to face on July 6 at Headingley, Leeds when India clash with Sri Lanka in the last league match of the World Cup for both the sides.