Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra feels that the IPL becomes a little poorer with the absence of Mumbai Indians pacer Lasith Malinga. Malinga had earlier announced his withdrawal from IPL this year due to his father’s illness, who is due to undergo surgery in a couple of weeks.
Initially, it was said that Malinga would join the side later, but strict two-week quarantine before and after flying from Colombo, Sri Lanka came as a hurdle in his plans.
The 37-year-old is the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 170 wickets to his name. He has been a very important part of the Mumbai based side in their success. Mumbai Indians is the most successful side in IPL with four titles.
To be honest, IPL becomes a little poorer if Lasith Malinga is not there: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra stated the reason why Malinga had opted out of the IPL. He feels the IPL will be a little less exciting without him and maybe we won’t see him playing again. In the last season too, the Sri Lankan speedster played the role of bowling coach and then later came to play again and won the final for MI with his last ball.
“Lasith Malinga has opted out of the IPL due to personal reasons. Everyone knew that he would be travelling late because his father’s health is not good. And his father might require a surgery in the coming one week and recuperation after that. So, Lasith Malinga wants to be home and because of these reasons he has said that he doesn’t want to be part of this IPL,” Aakash Chopra said on his Youtube Channel.
“To be honest IPL becomes a little poorer if Lasith Malinga is not there. If we see the 12-year history of the IPL, Lasith Malinga is the highest wicket-taker. If he is not there, the fun gets reduced. But all good things have to come to an end.
“There is also a possibility that we may not see Lasith Malinga in the IPL again. Because he had gone in between, then became the bowling coach, came back and played again and in the last year’s final won the title for Mumbai Indians with his last ball,” he added.
MI have got perhaps the best fast bowling attack in the IPL this year: Aakash Chopra
The former Indian opener stated on his youtube channel that Mumbai Indians have probably the best fast bowling roster in the IPL this year. He said James Pattinson as Malinga’s replacement is appropriate with his recent good form in the Big Bash League.
“His replacement has also been announced. And that is James Pattinson. He comes from Australia and is a right-arm fast bowler. He bowls quite well and his performance in the Big Bash League was also good,” said Aakash Chopra.
“If you see Mumbai Indians fast bowling resources, they have two left-armers in Mitchell McClenaghan and Trent Boult. Then they have Nathan Coulter-Nile and James Pattinson, four overseas fast bowlers apart from Bumrah and Dhawal Kulkarni. I mean they have got perhaps the best fast bowling attack in the IPL this year,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
The reigning champions are all set to go for a fifth victory to defend their title this term. The squad is well balanced with veterans and young guns. The Indian Premier League will be played in UAE amid the Coronavirus pandemic and will be held in three venues Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah from September 19 to November 10 amid COVID-19 protocols laid down by the ICC and BCCI.