Lasith Malinga

The cricket world witnessed a revolution in pace bowling with the rise of Sri Lanka legends, Lasith Malinga.

In this article, we will go beyond into Malinga’s story and stats, also his toe-crushing deliveries, and his journey as Sri Lanka pacer in the annals of cricket history.

Lasith Malinga: The Slinging Sensation of Sri Lanka

From the beaches of Galle to the world’s biggest cricketing stages, Malinga’s journey has been as unorthodox as his bowling action, leaving an indelible mark on cricket.

However, his retirement reflects his commitment to cricket and his desire to nurture future talents.

The “Slinga Malinga” may have hung up his boots, but his legacy continues to grow as he shapes the careers of aspiring cricketers around the world.

Early Cricket Career of Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga, born on August 28, 1983, in Galle, Sri Lanka, is known for his distinctive and explosive fast bowling.

His unique round-arm action, which earned him the nickname “Slinga Malinga,” has been a subject of fascination and effectiveness in equal measure.

Malinga’s cricketing journey began on the sandy beaches of Galle, where his raw talent and unconventional bowling action caught the eye of former Sri Lanka pacer Champaka Ramanayake, setting him on a path to cricketing stardom.

International Career

Malinga’s international debut came against Australia in 2004, and he quickly became a fixture in the Sri Lanka team.

Known for his toe-crushing yorkers and deceptive slow ball, Malinga has been a force in all formats of the game.

His ODI career is studded with highlights, including being the only bowler to take four wickets in four consecutive balls.

Despite battles with injuries, he has claimed over 300 ODI wickets and has been a key player in Sri Lanka’s cricketing successes in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Domestic Career

Lasith Malinga’s domestic career has seen him represent a variety of teams across the globe. In Sri Lanka, he played for the Nondescripts Cricket Club, which is one of the premier cricket clubs in the country.

His performances in the domestic circuit were impressive enough to fast-track him into the national side.

Internationally, Malinga’s domestic career includes stints with several teams in various T20 leagues. He has played for the Melbourne Stars in Australia’s Big Bash League, where his fast-paced bowling was a significant asset.

In the Caribbean Premier League, he turned out for the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Jamaica Tallawahs, bringing his experience and skill to the fore.

In the Pakistan Super League, Malinga was a part of the Rangpur Riders, while in the Bangladesh Premier League, he played for the Khulna Titans.

His domestic career also took him to the Canadian Global T20 league with the Montreal Tigers and the Maratha Arabians in the T10 League.

Malinga’s domestic performances have been characterized by his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, particularly in the death overs.

His yorkers, bouncers, and variations have been a challenge for batsmen around the world, making him a valuable player in domestic teams across various leagues.

IPL Career

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Lasith Malinga’s name is synonymous with the Mumbai Indians, a team he has been associated with for over a decade.

Picked up in 2008 for a substantial sum, Malinga’s IPL journey has been nothing short of spectacular.

He has been instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ multiple title wins, earning the Purple Cap for being the leading wicket-taker and serving as a bowling mentor.

His loyalty and performances for Mumbai Indians are legendary, and he is often credited with being a key factor in the team’s success.

Malinga’s IPL career is not just about his wicket-taking abilities but also about his mentorship to young bowlers, sharing his experience and insights, which have been invaluable to the team.

Beyond the Yorker King’s Retirement

Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lanka pace spearhead, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on September 14, 2021.

With this announcement, he brought down the curtain on a glittering career that saw him become the leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket with 107 scalps, including two T20I hat-tricks.

Malinga’s retirement was not just the end of his playing days but also the beginning of his journey as a mentor and coach.

Transition to Coaching:

After his retirement, Malinga expressed his desire to share his experience with young cricketers.

True to his word, he transitioned into a coaching role, taking up the mantle of bowling coach for his long-time IPL team, Mumbai Indians.

This appointment was announced by the franchise, filling the position left by Shane Bond. Malinga joined a coaching team led by Mark Boucher and his former teammate Kieron Pollard ahead of the IPL season.

Malinga’s association with Mumbai Indians spans over a decade, including 11 years as a player and a year (IPL 2018) as a bowling mentor.

In his new role, he has been looking forward to working closely with the team, especially the bowling unit, which he praised for their approach in the previous season.

Expanding His Coaching Horizons:

Malinga’s expertise has not been limited to the IPL alone. He has also served as the bowling coach for MI New York in Major League Cricket and MI Cape Town in the SA20 league.

His involvement with the extended MI group, including MI New York and MI Cape Town, has seen him contribute to seven trophies, including four IPL titles, two CLT20 titles, and an MLC title.

Lasith Malinga: The Slinging Sensation’s Record Book

Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lanka cricket icon, has been a force to reckon with on the cricket field. His unique round-arm action, often referred to as ‘slinging’, has bewildered the best in the business.

His ability to consistently deliver at the highest level has made him one of the most feared and respected bowlers in cricket history.

Here’s a detailed look at some of his significant records and achievements in the realm of international cricket:

Test Cricket Records:

• Pair on Debut: Malinga’s Test career had a rocky start as he was dismissed for a pair on his debut. However, he quickly turned things around with his bowling prowess.

One-Day Internationals (ODIs) Records:

• Most Wickets in Career: Malinga has taken a staggering 338 wickets in ODIs, showcasing his longevity and skill in the format.
• Most Four-Wickets-in-an-Innings in a Career: He has claimed four wickets in an innings 19 times, a testament to his ability to deliver match-winning spells.
• Fastest to 300 Wickets: Malinga reached the 300-wicket milestone in just 203 matches, highlighting his efficiency as a bowler.
• Most Wickets Taken Bowled: With 104 batsmen bowled, Malinga’s yorkers have been a trademark dismissal method throughout his career.

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) Records:

• Best Figures in an Innings: Malinga’s best figures in T20Is are an impressive 5/6, demonstrating his ability to decimate batting line-ups.
• Fastest to 100 Wickets: He is the fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in T20Is, achieving the feat in just 76 matches.

Combined Test, ODI, and T20I Records:

• Most Ducks in Career: Malinga has been dismissed without scoring a total of 26 times across formats.
• Most Wickets in a Calendar Year: He took 48 wickets in a single calendar year, showcasing a period of dominance in the international arena.
• Most Wickets on a Single Ground: Malinga has taken 52 wickets at a single venue, indicating his ability to exploit home conditions.
• Oldest Player to Take Five-Wickets-in-an-Innings: At 35 years and 46 days, Malinga proved that age is just a number by taking a five-wicket haul.

Other Notable Records:

• Most Wickets Taken Caught: He has 187 wickets to his name that were caught by fielders, indicating his knack for inducing false strokes.
• Most Wickets Taken LBW: Malinga has trapped 47 batsmen leg-before-wicket, utilizing his skiddy deliveries to full effect.

Lasith Malinga’s Family: The Support System of a Cricketing Legend

Behind every successful cricketer is a family that provides unwavering support and strength.

Lasith Malinga, the iconic Sri Lanka fast bowler known for his lethal yorkers and distinctive slingy action, is no exception.

His family has been a constant source of encouragement throughout his illustrious career. However, here some of his sweet history:

Family Origins and Immediate Family

Lasith Malinga hails from a modest background in Galle, Sri Lanka. Born on August 28, 1983, to Separamadu Milton and Swarna Thenuwara, Malinga’s family was rooted in simplicity and hard work.

His father, a retired bus mechanic, and his mother’s nurturing presence provided a stable foundation for his upbringing.

Lasith Malinga’s father, Separamadu Milton, is a retired bus mechanic who played a significant role in Malinga’s early life. While his mother, Swarna Thenuwara is the caring matriarch of the family.

Furthermore, his wife, Tanya Perera is a professional dancer and choreographer, has been Malinga’s partner in life since their marriage on January 22, 2010.

Their relationship began when they met during an advertisement shoot, where Tanya was the event manager.

The couple is blessed with a daughter, Ekeesha Separamadu, and a son, Duvin. Malinga has been seen spending quality time with his daughter at cricket practice nets, passing on his cricketing knowledge and skills.

Extended Family and Relatives

While specific details about Malinga’s extended family and relatives are not extensively covered in public records, it is evident that his immediate family has played a pivotal role in his life.

The privacy maintained by Malinga regarding his extended family highlights a desire to keep his personal life separate from his public persona.

Family’s Role in Malinga’s Journey

Malinga’s journey from the sandy shores of Rathgama to the pinnacle of international cricket was undoubtedly supported by his family’s belief in his talent.

From playing sand cricket with friends to becoming a global cricketing superstar, his family’s influence has been a constant throughout his life.

Lasith Malinga’s Net Worth: The Financial Journey of a Cricketing Legend

Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lanka cricket icon, is not only celebrated for his distinctive bowling style and match-winning performances but also for his substantial net worth, which is a testament to his success both on and off the cricket field.

Net Worth and Earnings

As of 2023, Lasith Malinga’s net worth is estimated to be around $9 million (approximately ₹70 Crore INR), reflecting a steady increase over the years from ₹50 Crore INR in 2020.

This wealth accumulation is the result of his illustrious cricket career, particularly his long-standing association with the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he played for the Mumbai Indians.

IPL Salary

Malinga’s IPL earnings have been significant, with a total salary amounting to ₹482,219,500 over his tenure.

His annual salary from the Mumbai Indians varied, with notable figures being ₹95,000,000 in 2014 and ₹75,000,000 in the years 2015 to 2017.

Investments and Lifestyle

Beyond cricket, Malinga has invested in various assets, including a luxurious designer house in Galle, Sri Lanka, and several real estate properties across the country.

His taste for luxury is also evident in his collection of cars, which includes a Mercedes SUV.

Coaching Role

After his retirement, Malinga transitioned into coaching, bringing his expertise to the next generation of cricketers.

As of the latest IPL season in 2023, he served as the bowling coach for the Rajasthan Royals, with a salary of 2.8 crores, showcasing his continued influence and presence in the cricketing world.

Lasith Malinga: A Timeline of Controversies

Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lanka cricketing legend known for his distinctive slinging action and toe-crushing yorkers, has also been a figure of several controversies throughout his career.

These incidents paint a picture of a cricketer who has often been as newsworthy off the field as he has been on it.

Despite these controversies, Malinga’s contributions to cricket, especially in the T20 format, remain unparalleled, and he is celebrated as one of the game’s greats.

Here’s a look at some of the major controversies involving Malinga:

1. Porngate Typo (2012)

In a lighter, more satirical vein, Malinga’s name was mistakenly involved in a political scandal in India known as “Porngate” due to a typo in a BJP press statement.

The typo led to his name trending on Twitter, although Malinga himself was not involved in the scandal.

2. IPL Participation Controversy (2016)

Malinga was involved in a controversy when he participated in Mumbai Indians’ training sessions during the IPL despite being asked by SLC to refrain from playing due to an injury.

This led to a disciplinary inquiry by SLC and raised questions about his commitment to national duties over franchise cricket.

3. Criticism of Sri Lanka Cricket Administration (2016)

Malinga has also been vocal in his criticism of the Sri Lanka cricket administration, which has led to friction between him and the cricket board.

His outspoken nature and willingness to take a stand have often put him at odds with the cricketing establishment in Sri Lanka.

4. Monkey Comment Controversy (2017)

Malinga found himself in hot water after making a controversial remark comparing the then Sri Lanka Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara to a monkey.

This was in response to the minister’s criticism of the Sri Lanka team’s fitness levels. The comment sparked a significant uproar, leading to a disciplinary inquiry by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

5. Sexual Assault Allegations (2018)

In a serious turn of events, Malinga was accused of sexual assault by a woman in Mumbai during an IPL season. This allegation came to light after the #MeToo movement gained momentum in India.

The accuser claimed that Malinga assaulted her in a Mumbai hotel. Malinga did not publicly comment on the accusation.

6. Spat with Thisara Perera (2019)

Malinga’s wife, Tanya Perera, was involved in a public spat with Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.

She made a Facebook post that indirectly accused Thisara of seeking the intervention of the country’s sports minister to secure his place in the team.

This controversy escalated when Thisara wrote to SLC, expressing his distress over the personal attack, which indirectly involved Malinga.

7. Captaincy Controversy (2019):

During the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Malinga was embroiled in a controversy over a “glaring error” in Sri Lanka’s defeat against South Africa.

The error in question was not reviewing a leg-before wicket decision against South African batsman David Miller, which replays showed would have been overturned. Malinga, who was the acting captain, faced criticism for this oversight.

Final Words: Lasith Malinga Story – The Master of Yorkers

Lasith Malinga, a name synonymous with cricketing excellence, redefined fast bowling with his distinctive sling action.

From his debut in 2004 to his retirement in 2020, Malinga’s career was a tapestry of record-breaking achievements and unforgettable moments that left an indelible mark on the sport.

As Lasith Malinga steps away from the pitch, one wonders what the future holds for this legendary bowler. Will his records stand the test of time, or will a new generation rise to challenge his legacy?