Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga, a Sri Lankan cricketer renowned for his unique bowling action, transitioned from a professional player to a respected bowling mentor and coach for various cricket franchises. After becoming the first player in history to take four wickets in four consecutive balls in an ODI match at the 2007 Cricket World Cup against South Africa, Lasith Malinga established himself as one of cricket’s most formidable and unique bowlers. Malinga debuted in Test cricket in July 2004 against Australia, claiming six wickets, and made his One Day International (ODI) debut that same month against the United Arab Emirates. Recognized for his lively pace between 140-150 km/h and signature in-swinging yorkers, he quickly became a regular in the Sri Lankan limited-overs squad.

His exceptional 2007 World Cup performance earned him selection for the ‘Team of the Tournament’ by ESPNcricinfo. Malinga solidified his reputation in 2011, achieving a second World Cup hat-trick to become the only bowler with two, and a third ODI hat-trick against Australia, making him the first bowler to achieve three in ODIs. He retired from Test cricket in 2011 to prolong his limited-overs career. In franchise cricket, Malinga won the Purple Cap for most wickets in the 2011 Indian Premier League (IPL) and was named in the ICC and ESPNcricinfo World ODI XIs in 2011 and 2012.

Following his illustrious playing career, Malinga seamlessly transitioned into coaching, elevating to bowling coach for the Mumbai Indians in 2023, and also taking on key coaching roles for other prominent franchises, including the Rajasthan Royals and MI Cape Town.