Mumbai Indians appoint Lasith Malinga as bowling mentor

Bengaluru, February 7: Mumbai Indians on Wednesday appointed Sri Lankan pace bowler and one of its longest serving member player - Lasith Malinga as the bowling mentor for the upcoming IPL season.

Lasith Malinga has been the core of Mumbai Indians winning combination in the last decade. Sri Lankan has donned the Mumbai Indians jersey in 110 matches of the 157 the franchise has played so far.

A veteran of over 200 ODIs and 300 T20s, Malinga will join the support staff headed by coach Mahela Jayawardane, bowling coach Shane Bond, batting coach Robin Singh and newly-appointed fielding coach James Pemment.

"It's a great opportunity to be present with, and an honour to continue my association with Mumbai Indians. Mumbai has been my home away from home for the last decade. As a player, I have enjoyed the journey with Mumbai Indians and now as mentor, I look forward to the new chapter," said Malinga.

Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani said having Malinga as mentor will serve a great benefit to the young talents the franchise has.

"Mumbai Indians has proven record of scouting and bringing forth the young talents at national stage. It will be a boon for these youngsters as well the established ones to have the combine force of Shane Bond and Lasith Malinga to back them," said Ambani.

"Malinga has been a pillar of strength for Mumbai Indians since the inception of the team, and his passion for the team will help us achieve new heights," added Ambani.