Malinga finds a way into 2018 IPL after auction snub

Lasith Malinga has been signed up by Indian Premier League outfit Mumbai Indians... as a bowling mentor

^{Mumbai Indians have hired Lasith Malinga as a bowling mentor}

Lasith Malinga has been signed up by Indian Premier League outfit Mumbai Indians... as a bowling mentor.

The Sri Lankan seamer, who had been snubbed in the IPL auction at the end of January, has a long history with the franchise.

Malinga has played in 110 of the 157 Mumbai matches since the side's formation just over a decade ago and will now link up with ex-international colleague Mahela Jayawardene, who is coaching the team this year.

"It's a great opportunity to be present with, and an honour to continue my association with Mumbai Indians," said Malinga.

"Mumbai has been my home away from home for the last decade. As a player, I have enjoyed the journey with Mumbai Indians and now as mentor, I look forward to the new chapter".

LASITH MALINGA IPL RECORD

Matches: 110

Wickets: 154

Average: 19.01

Economy: 6.86

Shane Bond, Robin Singh and James Pemment make up the remainder of the Indians' backroom staff.

Malinga is the IPL's record wicket-taker, with 154 victims from his 110 appearances, but he endured a difficult 2017 campaign in which he took just 11 wickets and went at almost nine runs per over.

The 34-year-old has found his return from a knee surgery tricky and his form has peaked and troughed. 

However, Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani is delighted to have use of Malinga's experience this year.

"Mumbai Indians has proven record of scouting and bringing forth the young talents at national stage," he said.

"It will be a boon for these youngsters as well the established ones to have the combine force of Shane Bond and Lasith Malinga to back them."

^{Malinga played 110 matches for Mumbai}