IPL 2022: 'Fantastic bunch of players who can be future Indian stars- Rajasthan Royals' bowling coach Malinga

IPL 2022: Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga, who led his country to the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup trophy, will be working with the talented group of pacers present within the Rajasthan Royals' set-up.

Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga is excited to join Rajasthan Royals as their new bowling coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and said that the squad has a fantastic bunch of young Indian players like Praisdh Krishna and Navdeep Saini who can be future international stars. Malinga will work with the likes of Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Krishna and Saini at the Royals.

Reacting to joining the Royals, the 38-year-old said, "It is certainly a new thing for me to get into coaching and pass on my experience to the younger players. I have played this role before with Mumbai, and now I'm delighted to be working with Rajasthan Royals. It is a new place for me, but I'm enjoying my role so far working with such a talented group of bowlers."

Asked what his thoughts were about his new franchise, Malinga said, "The first thing that always stayed with me was the colour - pink. I always saw the team have good international and local players, and whenever I used to face them, it was tough. I think they were always very competitive, and could beat any team on their day."

Having been associated with Mumbai for 13 seasons, he also recalled how the move to the Royals came about. "It was actually last year that Kumar (Sangakkara) asked me if I was interested. But with COVID and all the bubble restrictions, I didn't want to stay away from my family. But this year, having also worked with the Sri Lankan team, I felt I could use my experience and give back to the game that I love, by working with this group of players," expressed IPL's highest wicket-taker.

Lasith Malinga, wasting no time. #RoyalsFamily | #TATAIPL2022 | @ninety9sl pic.twitter.com/GruPXn7AuC