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'Can't Buy Experience' - Malinga Tags Hardik & Bumrah's IPL 2024 Return As 'Best Thing'

Hardik Pandya & Jasprit Bumrah are integral members of the MI Squad (Twitter)Hardik Pandya & Jasprit Bumrah are integral members of the MI Squad (Twitter)

During a recent interaction with the media following Mumbai Indians' (MI) junior inter-school tournament, the team's newly appointed bowling coach, Lasith Maling shared his optimism about the team's prospects in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Malinga, who has been crowned IPL champion four times with MI, highlighted the significant advantage that the return of key players Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah will bring to the squad.

Malinga highlights Hardik and Bumrah's return as game-changer for MI in IPL 2024

According to Malinga, the inclusion of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah brings a wealth of experience to the team's arsenal, an asset that he believes cannot be simply purchased. 

He stated that both players are not only in peak form but also bring a deep understanding of the T20 format, which can be instrumental in guiding the younger members of the Mumbai Indians squad.

"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.


The former fast bowler pointed out that despite the common perception of T20 cricket being dominated by batters, it's the bowlers who often turn the tide of the game. 

Lasith Malinga's vision for MI involves creating a robust fast-bowling lineup, a vision he feels is closer to reality with the likes of Bumrah and Akash Madhwal, both of whom are seasoned players in the MI camp.

"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," added the Sri Lankan veteran.

Meanwhile, Malinga, who previously served Rajasthan Royals, has returned to the Mumbai Indians' fold, this time taking on the mantle of bowling coach as the team gears up for IPL 2024.

The five-time champions are set to kick off their IPL 2024 campaign against their new captain, Hardik Pandya's former team, Gujarat Titans, on March 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.