“This is the best thing to have happened in MI” – Lasith Malinga on the return of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for IPL 2024

Mumbai Indians bowling coach Lasith Malinga feels the return of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League 2024 is the best thing that has happened to the franchise.

While Bumrah missed the previous season due to a back injury, Pandya moved back to MI in all-cash trade deal from Gujarat Titans. Pandya will also take the captaincy baton from former skipper Rohit Sharma.

Bumrah has been in terrific form recently as he scalped 19 wickets in four Test matches against England and would look to continue the good show. Pandya, on the other hand, will return to action after recovering from his ankle injury, which he suffered in the ODI World Cup.

“Experience, we can’t buy that. They are in top form as well. Bumrah has been playing Test cricket over the last few months and has performed really well. Plus, they have the knowledge and experience of T20 cricket. How they handle things, they can share with all the youngsters in our team. This is the best thing to have happened in MI,” said Malinga while speaking to the reporters.

Malinga added that the franchise believes in backing big-hearted fast bowlers, who play a key role in the T20 format. Akash Madhwal had impressed in the previous season, taking 14 wickets in eight matches.

“Most people think T20 is the batters’ game, but I still feel bowlers win matches. That’s why we (MI) want big-hearted bowlers. Like Boom (Bumrah) and Aksah Madhwal, for example. These are two good Indian bowlers who have experience of playing (for MI). MI always believes in having a proper fast-bowling unit. And I feel we have got that this time,” said Malinga.

Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Gujarat Titans at their home ground of Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 24.