Lasith Malinga Fans Storm Twitter After Mumbai Indians Pacer Retires From Franchise Cricket Ahead of IPL 2021, Trend #ThankYouMalinga

Lasith Malinga will not feature in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as the Sri Lankan pace spearhead announced his retirement from franchise cricket on Wednesday (January 20). The right-arm pacer was the vital cog of Mumbai Indians since the 2009 season, and he played a crucial role in guiding the side to four IPL titles. With 170 wickets in 122 games, the 37-year-old is the highest wicket-taker in IPL history. Unfortunately, Malinga’s thunderbolts will not be seen in IPL anymore, which left the fans emotional. Twitterati paid tribute to the talismanic pacer’s sensational IPL career as #ThankYouMalinga became one of the top trends on Twitter. Lasith Malinga, Four-Time IPL Champion With Mumbai Indians, Retires From Franchise Cricket.

As mentioned above, Malinga joined MI in the 2009 season, and the Lanka paceman didn’t take long in making a mark. His ability to set the speed gun on fire made him a great asset while his slinging action made batsmen’s job even more challenging. From toe-crushing yorkers to deceiving slower deliveries, Malinga had every weapon his armoury required to thrive in the T20 format. Although he tasted success in several seasons, the pacer enjoyed his best campaign in 2011 edition where he bagged the purple by taking 28 wickets in mere 16 games. Subsequently, social media went berserk after Malinga announced his retirement from franchise cricket. Have a look! MI IPL 2021 Squad: List of Retained & Released Players by Mumbai Indians.

Massive Praises!!

GOAT!!

First & Last!!

Great Memories!!

IPL Legend!!

Who can Forget Those Yorkers!!

Leading Wicket Taker!!

Tribute Pouring In!!

Notably, Malinga didn’t feature in IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. Hence, the 2019 IPL final proved to be his last appearance in the Mumbai Indians jersey. While the veteran pacer has bid farewell to franchise cricket, he looks determined to make a mark in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 which takes place in October-November in India.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 21, 2021 09:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).