On Tuesday, Lasith Malinga, who had quit playing Tests in 2011 and ODIs back in 2019, had called time on his career in franchise cricket earlier this year after he was released by the Mumbai Indians’ ahead of IPL 2021.
The right-arm quick, who revolutionised the game with his death-bowling expertise, leaves behind a great legacy. He played 84 T20Is for Sri Lanka and took 107 wickets at an average of 20.79 and an economy rate of 7.42.
Malinga featured in 295 T20s in his illustrious career, taking 390 wickets while averaging 19.68 and maintaining an excellent economy rate of just 7.07.
Malinga was part of four of MI five successful campaigns in the Indian Premier League and represented various other teams in T20 leagues around the world. He played multiple T20 World Cups for Sri Lanka as well.
“Today is a very special day for me. I want to thank each one of you who have supported me throughout my T20 career. Today I have decided to give 100 per cent rest to my T20 bowling shoes,”
Malinga wrote in a statement.
The limited-overs great hinted that he will stay connected with the game in some form, most probably coaching, after his retirement when he mentioned “my love for the game will never ask for rest.”
