Lasith Malinga set to return to Mumbai Indians as fast bowling coach: Report

Lasith Malinga. Pic/Suresh Karkera

Former Sri Lankan pace ace Lasith Malinga is set to return to five-time champions Mumbai Indians for the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), this time as their fast bowling coach replacing Shane Bond, according to a report on Saturday.

The Kiwi veteran had held that position for the past nine seasons. However, an IPL source confirmed to PTI that Bond's contract with Mumbai Indians remains to be still under review. "Mumbai Indians' contract with Bond is still not over as yet," the source said.

Earlier, ESPNCricinfo reported that it is also not clear whether Bond would continue as the head coach of Mumbai Indians Emirates in the ILT20 where they finished third this year.

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Malinga, however, had a fruitful career with Mumbai Indians winning five titles overall -- four in IPL (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019) and the Champions League T20 in 2011. Malinga played 139 matches for Mumbai, taking 195 wickets at an economy rate of 7.12. Out of those, 170 wickets came in the IPL, the joint-sixth-most in the league.

If true, this will mark Malinga's second involvement with Mumbai's support staff, following his mentoring role in 2018.

A year later, Malinga made a comeback to the field, sharing the bowling responsibilities with Jasprit Bumrah as the duo played a key role in their fourth IPL triumph. Malinga had joined Rajasthan Royals in 2022 as fast bowling coach after his retirement in 2021.

(With agency inputs)