Mumbai Indians (MI) old guard Lasith Malinga has joined back his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise after missing out Indians’ opener against Delhi Capitals (DC) on March 24. In their opener of IPL 2019, Mumbai has lost their home game by 37 runs.
Furthermore, it is seen as a major boost for Indians as Jasprit Bumrah recently had a major injury scare.
IPL 2019: Malinga has a major role to play –
With ‘Slinga’ back into the fold, ahead of Mumbai’s clash against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), MI Twitter handle has reminded opponents of Malinga’s ‘toe-crushers’.
It added the right-arm pacer will don the jersey No. 99 to bolster the bowling attack of former IPL champions.
Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has allowed Malinga to feature in the IPL. In addition, the decision came as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has asked for a response to the authorities of the Island cricket.
Recently, SLC cricket has made the local day-long competition mandatory for the World Cup-bound players. The tournaments will be played between April 4 and 11 in Sri Lanka.
Malinga, who served as the bowling consultant for Indians for the eleventh edition of the IPL, has made it to the squad this time around. He plied his trade with Indians at his base price of INR 2 crore during the IPL 2019 auctions in December at Jaipur.
Besides, in the 49-second video, the MI Tv revealed fans were waiting in a queue which further saw him boarding a car before reaching the hotel.
The highest wicket-taker in IPL history, Malinga is keen to represent the three-time champions led by Rohit Sharma.
So far, in 110 IPL matches, Malinga has snared 110 wickets at an average of 19.01. While bowling his heart out, Malinga also has four four-wicket hauls to a name. His solitary five-wicket haul came against the Capitals on April 10, 2011.
He bowled 3.4 to conceded 13 runs at an average of 4.40 at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, New Delhi.
The veteran bowler has expressed excitement on his return.
“I am really happy to be here. This year (I am) also looking forward to play for Mumbai Indians,” Malinga told MI TV.
Malinga, who’s known for toe-crushing yorkers, aims high to win games for his team.
Moreover, he added he will lend support to the teammates and management while putting his cent per cent effort
“I will try my best to win all the matches, and to give my 100 per cent support to the players and the support staff,” Malinga said.
#OneFamily, ready to witness toe-crushers again in that jersey number 99? ? SLINGA IS BACK! ??? #CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians,” MI Twitter handle posted with a video.
Indians will take on RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday evening.
Here’s the video of Mumbai Indians pacer Lasith Malinga:
#OneFamily, ready to witness toe-crushers again in that jersey number 99? ?
SLINGA IS BACK! ???#CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/4dTIueP0mj
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 28, 2019