IPL 2022: Lasith Malinga appointed fast bowling coach of Rajasthan Royals

Former Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga has been appointed the fast bowling coach of Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise made the news official on Friday (March 11) through a post on social media. One of the finest pacers in the history on T20 cricket, Malinga was nothing but a nightmare for bowlers during his playing days.

He was also a vital cog of five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians. In fact, his tally of 170 wickets in 122 matches is still the highest for any bowler in the history of the gala T20 league. Hence, his inclusion in the Rajasthan Royals support would be a major boost for the inaugural-season champions.

Lasith Malinga to join forces with Kumar Sangakkara

Meanwhile, RR welcomed Malinga on board in style. “*Kisses the ball* Lasith Malinga. IPL. Pink,” wrote Royals, sharing a creative graphic confirming Malinga’s appointment as the fast-bowling coach. Meanwhile, Malinga will now join forces with his former Sri Lankan teammate Kumar Sangakkara, who’s the director of cricket operations at the franchise.

*𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥*

Lasith Malinga. IPL. Pink. 💗#RoyalsFamily | #TATAIPL2022 | @ninety9sl pic.twitter.com/p6lS3PtlI3

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 11, 2022

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have built a strong squad in IPL 2022 mega auction and would be confident of doing well in the same season. Skipper Sanju Samson will join forces with the likes of Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal in the top-order.

Dashers like Shimron Hetmyer and Rassie van der Dussen will handle the job of the finisher. As far as the fast bowlers are concerned, Malinga will groom the likes of Trent Boult, Navdeep Saini and Prasidh Krishna. Overall, the side looks pretty balanced on the paper and is expected to go a long way. Meanwhile, IPL 2022 gets underway on March 26.

Rajsthan Royals Squad for IPL 2022: Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal, Riyan Parag, KC Cariappa, Navdeep Saini, Obed McCoy, Anunay Singh, Kuldeep Sen, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, Tejas Baroka, Kuldip Yadav, Shubham Garhwal, James Neesham, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rassie van der Dussen, Daryl Mitchell.