IPL 2022: Former Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga joins Rajasthan Royals coaching staff

The Royals Sports Group-owned Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals have announced two additions to their coaching staff ahead of the much anticipated IPL 2022 season. The franchise will be joined by Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga as their new fast bowling coach along with Paddy Upton in a new role of 'Team Catalyst'.

The 38-year-old Malinga, who led his country to the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup trophy, will be working during the upcoming season with the talented group of pacers present within the Royals' set-up. Renowned as one of the best limited overs bowlers ever, Malinga will oversee the preparation of bowling strategies in the build-up and during the season, while also accelerating the development of the young bowlers by imparting his knowledge and expertise of T20 cricket.

During a career that spanned over 17 years, the right-arm fast bowler represented Sri Lanka in 340 matches across the three formats and picked up 546 wickets. In the Indian Premier League, he only ever represented one team - Mumbai Indians - for whom he grabbed 170 scalps in 122 matches. Most recently in February 2022, he served as Sri Lanka's Bowling Strategy Coach for their T20I series against Australia.

Speaking on his appointment, Malinga said, "It's a wonderful feeling for me to return to the IPL and an absolute honour to join Rajasthan Royals, a franchise that has always promoted and developed young talent. I am excited by the pace bowling unit we have going into the tournament and looking forward to supporting all the fast bowlers with the execution of their game-plans and their overall development. I've made some very special memories in the IPL with Mumbai Indians and now with Royals, looking forward to new experiences and creating great memories in this journey."