Sri Lanka’s legendary cricketer Lasith Malinga has been appointed as the pace bowling coach of Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler’s Rajasthan Royals in this edition of the Indian Premier League. The franchise announced its appointment on Friday (March 11). In addition, South Africa’s Paddy Upton has been given the responsibility of Team Catalyst.
Malinga has played for Mumbai Indians for a long time in the IPL. He bid adieu to all forms of cricket in September last year. A few days ago, he played a role as a tactical coach of bowling in the Sri Lankan team’s tour of Australia.
On being appointed, Malinga said that the feeling of returning to the IPL is great. It is a great honour to join Rajasthan. It’s a franchise that always works to improve talented youngsters. I am very excited about the pace bowling unit.
Malinga added, “I hope to do well in this tournament by helping the pacers in every way. I have a lot of fond memories in the IPL. Earlier the memories were in Mumbai, now it will be in Rajasthan. My goal is in front of me. I hope to have a great feeling at the same time.
In Rajasthan, Malinga is getting his national team-mate Kumar Sangakkara. He is the head coach of Rajasthan. As such, it can be assumed that the Lankan pace star’s time in Rajasthan will be good. Sangakkara also welcomed Malinga. In a statement, he said Lasith is arguably the greatest T20 fast bowler ever. I think we’ll benefit from having him.
