Mumbai Mumbai, Feb 7: Mumbai Indians today appointed Sri Lankan sling arm bowler Lasith Malinga as the bowling mentor for the upcoming IPL season.

Malinga has been the core of Mumbai Indians winning combination in the last decade. The Sri Lankan has donned the Mumbai Indians jersey featuring in 110 matches of the 157 the franchise has played so far, MI said in a release.

A veteran of over 200 ODIs and 300 T20s, Malinga will join the support staff headed by coach Mahela Jayawardane, bowling coach Shane Bond, batting coach Robin Singh and newly appointed fielding coach James Pemment.

"It's a great opportunity to be present with, and an honour to continue my association with Mumbai Indians. Mumbai has been my home away from home for the last decade. As a player, I have enjoyed the journey with Mumbai Indians and now as mentor, I look forward to the new chapter," said Malinga.

Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani feels having Malinga as mentor will serve a great benefit to the young talents the franchise has in the team.

"Mumbai Indians has proven record of scouting and bringing forth the young talents at National stage. It will be a boon for these youngsters as well the established ones to have the combine force of Shane Bond and Lasith Malinga to back them," Akash Ambani said.