Team India vice-captain and Mumbai Indians skipper, Rohit Sharma shared a heartfelt post for pacer Lasith Malinga who announced his retirement from IPL and franchise cricket. Malinga is arguably one of the most consistent performers of IPL throughout these years. The Sri Lankan ace has taken 170 wickets from 122 games in the tournament, making him the highest wicket-taker of all time in the competition. He served as the bowling mentor of the side in 2018 before returning to playing duties and delivering Mumbai a title win - his fourth with the team - with what has turned out to be his final delivery in the competition. He missed the 2020 season due to personal reasons.
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Taking to his Instagram, Rohit wrote, "Onef the best the game has seen. Truly a match winner, his presence around the squad will be missed." Speaking of his decision Malinga said: "After discussing with family, I think now is the right time to retire from all franchise cricket. The pandemic situation and the restrictions on travel will make it difficult for me given my personal circumstances to participate fully in franchise cricket for the next year and therefore it is best to make this decision now."I have discussed the same with Mumbai Indians management in recent days as they prepare for the upcoming auction and they have been very supportive and understanding. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ambani family, everyone at the Mumbai Indians franchise and all our fans for the wonderful 12 years. Mumbai Indians has treated me like family, supporting me 100 % in every situation both on and off the field, and always giving me the confidence and the freedom to play my natural game whenever I walked onto the field."I have collected so many happy memories that I cherish and I am very grateful to have played for so long for the best franchise in world cricket. I would like to wish Mrs Nita Ambani, coach Mahela (Jayawardene), Akash (Ambani) and the MI family all the best for the upcoming season."
