With just a few days remaining for IPL 2022 to commence, all the franchises have started to reveal their coaching staff. As the squads already confirmed after mega auction and most of the coaches also on board, there were only a few roles up for grabs at all the 10 franchises. But, one of the announcements on March 11 left the entire cricket fraternity in a bit of shock.

Rajasthan Royals confirmed that former Mumbai Indians pacer Lasith Malinga has joined them as fast bowling coach for IPL 2022. It was indeed very surprising because of the fact that the only IPL team that the 38-year-old has been associated with is MI since 2008, either as a player or as a mentor.

Mumbai and Malinga’s exchange on social media leaves fans in awe

As expected, MI fans were disappointed that Malinga would be in the dug-out of their opponents in IPL 2022. But the Paltan expressed their love for their former star, who took 107 wickets in 84 games for the franchise in an illustrious career, and wished him luck for his new assignment.

Even the franchise put up a heartwarming tribute post for the ‘Legend – Slinga Malinga’ who was a nightmare for batsmen wearing the famous #99 jersey.

Lasith Malinga also expressed his gratitude to Mumbai Indians and responded, “The experience I gained being a part of @mipaltan’s match winning combination and management for the last 13 years will be an invaluable to asset to my new coaching stint Wishing all the best for the upcoming season Always a member of #OneFamily.”

At Rajasthan Royals, the 38-year-old will have an opportunity with an exciting group of pace attack featuring the likes of Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Navdeep Saini, Obed McCoy, Nathan Coulter-Nile and a few Indian youngsters.