Follow UsRajasthan Royals have roped in Lasith Malinga and Paddy Upton as their fast-bowling coach and "Team Catalyst" respectively for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, which will get underway from March 26.
Former Sri Lanka paceman Malinga was with Mumbai Indians for nine seasons and is still the leading wicket-taker in the history of the tournament. Malinga, who won four titles with Mumbai, claimed 170 wickets in 122 encounters at an economy rate of 7.14. He retired from all franchise cricket last January. Meanwhile, Upton served as the head coach for RR from 2013-15 and then in 2019.
Malinga's role will be to "oversee the preparation of bowling strategies in the build-up and during the season" and "accelerating the development of the young bowlers." Meanwhile, Upton will "play a crucial role in establishing team integration by bringing them together as a cohesive and mutually supporting unit, and look after their mental well-being with the use of various mental conditioning processes and activities that aid in maintaining a healthy culture and environment especially within the restrictions of being in a bio-bubble.
"Upton will himself be a part of the bubble for the initial four weeks of the tournament, while supporting virtually post the completion of this period," a Royals statement said.
Talking about 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."
Kumar Sangakkara, who will serve as Rajasthan's head coach during the season and their Director of Cricket off it, said: "Lasith is arguably one of the greatest T20 fast bowlers of all-time, and to have a personality like his around the training ground, and the expertise he brings to the table, is certainly something we feel the team can benefit from. We have some of the best fast bowlers in our squad and we are delighted that they will have the chance to work with Lasith and get to learn and develop further.
"It's the same with Paddy, who has been a great servant for the Royals, and has done an exceptional job in building that cohesion between players and also conditioning them mentally. We believe he will act as a great addition to our coaching staff. I am also excited to keep working with this new team in my dual role as Head Coach during the season and Director of Cricket round the year, and hope that all our efforts can contribute towards achieving our objective of winning the IPL."
Rajasthan will commence their IPL 2022 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 29.