Rajasthan Royals bowling coach announced

Former Sri Lankan pacer and top wicket taker in IPL history, Lasith Malinga has been appointed as the new Rajasthan Royals bowling coach. Royals have also announced the appointment of Paddy Upton as “Team Catalyst”.

Malinga donned the role of bowling mentor in the IPL 2018 edition for Mumbai Indians. He was recently appointed as bowling strategy coach of Sri Lanka for the five match T20I series against Australia. He is still the top wicket taker in IPL history with 170 wickets over 9 seasons with Mumbai Indians.

“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,” Malinga said.

“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.”

Meanwhile Paddy Upton is back with Rajasthan Royals as Team Catalyst. He previously worked as Rajasthan Royals coach from 2013 to 2015 and later in 2019. As per reports, he will be with the team for the first four weeks of IPL 2022, after which he will provide his services virtually.

“Being the Team Catalyst, 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,” a Royals statement said.

Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara was elated with the new appointments.

“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,” he said.

“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.”, he added.

“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.”

Other Coaching Staff:

Assistant Coach: Trevor Penney

Strategy, Development and Performane Director: Zubin Bharucha

Fielding Coach: Dishant Yagnik