Mumbai Indians suffered a major blow on Tuesday after Lasith Malinga announced his decision to skip the 13th edition of IPL in the UAE.

One of the prominent faces within the Mumbai Indians lineup, the Sri Lankan pacer has played a key role in the fortunes of Rohit Sharma's side for many years.

Malinga's decison to skip IPL this year puts their title defence in serious trouble as he was one of their most experienced bowlers apart from Jasprit Bumrah.

The 36-year-old Sri Lankan bowler will not be able to enter the UAE for personal reasons. Malinga's father is ill and will undergo surgery in the next few days so he will stay with his father.

Mumbai Indians have selected Australian fast bowler James Pattinson as his replacement for the tournament.

Malinga has taken 170 wickets in 122 matches in the IPL which is the most in the tournament at an average of 19.80 with an economy of 7.14. Malinga was instrumental in winning the 2019 title for Mukesh Ambani's side.

Malinga has been a member of Mumbai Indians since 2008. Malinga had won the Purple Cap in the fourth season of the IPL.

Mumbai Indians did not include Malinga in the 2018 IPL auction. However, the team chose him as their bowling coach. In the auction for 2019, Mumbai Indians took him back to the team but he could not play the first six matches.

Malinga's withdrawal adds to Rohit Sharma's headaches ... Malinga has not played in the IPL before in 2008, 2016 and 2018. In all these three seasons, Mumbai Indians have to settle for fifth position.

Mumbai Indians have won the title in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 a record four times.