RAJASTHAN ROYALS APPOINT LEGENDARY LASITH MALINGA AS FAST BOWLING COACH

(The Quiver): Rajasthan Royals on Friday announced the appointment of Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga as the franchise’s Fast Bowling Coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.

Notably, Malinga is the all-time leading wicket-taker in the IPL with 170 scalps to his name from 122 matches. He last represented Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2019 season and retired from all franchise cricket in September 2021. The ace bowler recently accompanied Sri Lanka’s team to Australia as their Bowling Strategy Coach.

Malinga will join the Royals coaching group led by fellow Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara. Further, as per the release, the coaching unit will also have Paddy Upton as the ‘Team Catalyst,’ Trevor Penney (Assistant Coach), Zubin Bharucha (Strategy, Development and Performance Director) and Dishant Yagnik (Fielding Coach).

On his appointment, Malinga expressed his joy and said it is an honour for him to return to the IPL and join the 2008 title winners. The 38-year-old mentioned that he would do his best to support the bowlers with their game plans and overall development.

“It’s a wonderful feeling for me to return to the IPL and an absolute honour to join Rajasthan Royals, a franchise that has always promoted and developed young talent. I am excited by the pace bowling unit we have going into the tournament and looking forward to supporting all the fast bowlers with the execution of their game plans and their overall development. I’ve made some very special memories in the IPL with Mumbai Indians and now with Royals, looking forward to new experiences and creating great memories in this journey,” said Malinga in an official release.