Lasith Malinga set to return to Mumbai Indians as fast bowling coach for IPL 2024
Former Sri Lankan pace sensation, Lasith Malinga, colloquially known as the ‘yorker king’, is set to return to Mumbai Indians for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. However, this time around, Malinga will be seen in the fast bowling coach role.
Malinga is anticipated to replace New Zealand veteran Shane Bond, who has been a stalwart for the Mumbai-based IPL franchise for the past nine seasons. Although there has not been any official confirmation regarding Bond’s standing, an IPL insider told PTI news agency that Bond’s employment terms are currently being evaluated.
The same source was quoted as saying “MI’s contract with Bond is not yet over.” Simultaneously, it remains uncertain as to whether Bond will still hold his position as the head coach of the MI Emirates in the ILT20, who clinched the third position in this year’s tournament as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
The Sri Lankan cricketer has indeed had an illustrious stint with the Mumbai Indians. Malinga’s contribution as a player transcends over five championships including four IPL victories in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and the Champions League T20 in 2011. Throughout his tenure with the team, Malinga has played 139 matches, bagging an impressive 195 wickets with an economical rate of 7.12.
Post his retirement in 2021, Malinga has been affiliated with the Rajasthan Royals as the fast bowling coach in 2022. However, the reported anticipation of his return to Mumbai Indians for the 2024 IPL edition marks his second involvement with the MI franchise in a mentoring capacity since his role in 2018 and could mark the onset of yet another successful chapter in the franchise’s history.
