Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals on Friday, March 11, 2022, appointed former Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga as the fast bowling coach. Rajasthan Royals also announced the addition of Paddy Upton to the team’s coaching staff (as Team Catalyst). Lasith Malinga, who took 546 wickets in 340 matches for Sri Lanka in all three formats, will work with the Rajasthan Royals fast bowlers.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Cricket Board has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to 12 of its players to play in IPL 2022. Getting NOC means that all these New Zealand players will be available for selection from the first match in IPL 2022. Only 12 New Zealand players are part of different teams in IPL 2022.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has joined his team ahead of IPL 2022, while Stephen Fleming, Devon Conway and Adam Milne are expected to join Chennai Super Kings by March 15. IPL 2022 is to start from March 26. The first match is to be played between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Lasith Malinga is associated for the first time in IPL history with a franchise which is not named Mumbai Indians. Malinga made his IPL debut in 2009 with a match for Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
He won 4 IPL trophies (all with Mumbai Indians) in a span of 10 years. During this, Malinga played 122 matches in the IPL and took 170 wickets in his name. He still remains at number one in the list of highest wicket-takers in IPL.
Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara Like last year this season too Rajasthan Royals Will play the role of head coach of Apart from this, he will also continue to be the Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals. “It is a great feeling to be back in the IPL and an honor to be included in the Rajasthan Royals,” said a statement issued by Malinga in Mumbai.
Paddy Upton has previously worked with Rajasthan Royals. He was part of the team as a coach from 2013 to 2015 and then in IPL 2019. During the IPL 2013 to 2015, Rajasthan Royals made it to the top-4. He will join the team for 4 weeks starting this season. After that will support virtually.
A statement issued by Rajasthan Royals said, “As a team catalyst, Paddy Upton Teams will play a vital role in creating integration. He will also monitor the mental conditioning processes and activities of the players, especially within the bio-bubble restrictions.