Lasith Malinga landed in Bengaluru and joined the rest of the Mumbai Indians squad last night for the remainder of the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL). The Sri Lankan ODI captain had flown back to his country last week after it was announced by selectors that all Lankan players, hoping to be a part of the World Cup must take part in the ongoing domestic competition.

However, after receiving the nod of approval from selectors, Malinga is now free to play in the IPL without risking his World Cup berth. The ongoing IPL will be the first time Malinga will be donning MI colours in more than a year. The Sri Lankan pace bowler was a bowling mentor with Mumbai Indians last season and was bought by us again in the auction last December.

Malinga is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history with 154 scalps from 110 matches for MI at a stunning average of 19.01. The Sri Lankan seamer’s bowling at the death will be a major boost for the three-time champions. Winner of the purple cap for most wickets in 2011, he has also been a part of Mumbai Indians’ all 3 title-winning seasons. Malinga will want to use all that experience to help guide the team to success in this year’s IPL.