Don't copy my action- Malinga

9 May 2012 08:51 am - 22 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Lasith Malinga is a unique cricketer in many ways. It is not just his slinging action that is a standout feature; he's probably the only cricketer in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) who has hardly attended more than a couple of practice sessions and still stands out as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 20 scalps in eight matches.

The exciting Sri Lankan believes in being match fit and prefers to rest well in between games. Malinga spared some time on the eve of Mumbai Indians' clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore to talk to MiD DAY on a host of things.

Excerpts from the interview:

How would you describe your five years in IPL?

It has been good. The crowds keep cheering; so many people come for the matches. I have learnt how to handle the pressure now.

You are the most popular bowler in Mumbai...

People cheer performers. If I don't play well tomorrow, they will not cheer for me. That is how cricket is. If someone else starts performing well, they will cheer him.

You invariably end up being the best bowler in every IPL. How do you maintain your consistency?

I don't think I am the best bowler. I like to play with some pressure... either in the beginning, in the first Power play or in the end with a few overs left. Every time I bowl with pressure. All I think about is taking wickets.

How tough is it to consistently bowl those yorkers?

It is tough. If you want to be a journalist, you have to be a trainee and learn things. Same is with bowling. If you want to bowl yorkers and short deliveries, you have to train hard.

Can you tell us a bit about your training sessions?

I am 28 now, and looking to play for another two or three years. I cannot run much or train hard now after the knee injury, but I try to maintain my skills and fitness levels. I don't go much to the gym. Whenever I am fit, I directly play a match. It is very important for bowlers to maintain bowling fitness. I have that and know how to manage it. I trained very hard when I was 20-21 and did a lot of running.

You are again in the reckoning for the Purple Cap...

I never set any such targets. I only look to take as many wickets as I can. That is my mindset.

What would you tell youngsters trying to copy your action?

Don't do that! Nobody should imitate anyone. Every individual is unique and has his own style. One must develop it. Only then will you be effective. You can copy me, but there's no point. You have to be accurate. I have come up my own way. It's (slinging) my natural action. I never developed it.

There will be a new auction at the next IPL. How much value do you put on yourself?

I don't know if I will be playing in the next IPL or no. I only concentrate on my next match. I don't know how much my value is... they (team bosses) will decide it.

Does the 2011 World Cup final loss still haunt you whenever you enter the Wankhede Stadium?

I got Sachin (Tendulkar) and (Virender) Sehwag's wicket in the final. I enjoy playing here. Before the (2011) World Cup final, I played in the IPL and got a lot of support here. I'm happy. It is quite similar for me... playing in India or Sri Lanka.

Tell us about your hairstyle...

I just apply colour to my hair. If anyone else would have done it, people would have made fun of them. Just because I am a cricketer, it becomes stylish. (NDTV Sports)

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Comments - 22

Denver Pereira Thursday, 10 May 2012 05:03 AM

well said Black Mamba....I agree with you...

saabith Wednesday, 29 August 2012 08:32 AM

you have revealed ur talents to Indian team, no longer a trumpcard for SL ODI matches. pls do ur IPL career dont play well for the nation. Thankyou and definilty no one shd imitate this !!!!!

dilhana Saturday, 12 May 2012 01:02 AM

you are not special cricketer. special cricketers always think about playing for their countries before playing for leauges

.... Friday, 11 May 2012 02:24 AM

Wishing you all the very best Mali... God bless!!!!

Slinger Thursday, 10 May 2012 06:23 AM

Yes chuckers action should not be copied.

Gayan Samarasekara Thursday, 10 May 2012 06:13 AM

Malinga has already copied it from Jeff Thompson.

Sanga Thursday, 10 May 2012 06:10 AM

ya, don't copy his HAIR Style

Chandler Thursday, 10 May 2012 06:06 AM

Better be quick in registering your bowling action for copyrights!

Lal Suranjith Thursday, 10 May 2012 05:34 AM

william rosh dont forget Aravinda & Arjuna, Vas etc...

CricketLover Thursday, 10 May 2012 05:17 AM

Well said!

CricketLover Thursday, 10 May 2012 05:15 AM

What attitude??

Bigfoot Wednesday, 09 May 2012 09:06 AM

Do not copy him please.

William Rosh Thursday, 10 May 2012 03:35 AM

What's said & done,we are really proud as Sri Lankans,because of people like you,Murali,Sanath,Mahela & Sanga

Champika SL Thursday, 10 May 2012 03:02 AM

May God Bless You Malinga...You are the perfect finding in the World Cricket....there will be millions of people saluting you for the tremendous confidence you show up with and will admire your ability...some jeolloussy people with no idead of the sport nor the toughness of the game will blame at you talking about money you generate....

As a Sri Lankan it is so great and proud to see you are performing in every single match and you make us and all sri lankans proud....

You and Dilantha Malegamuwa are one of the few sortsmen who make Sri Lanka proud while no support offered from Sri Lanka, but sstill don't worry we all are with you sir...May Good Health let you play cricket for the wwhole next decade...All the Triple Gem Will Bless you malinga....Keep up the best...!!!

RAJU Wednesday, 09 May 2012 01:10 PM

WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT YOU. I HATE YOUR ACTION.

Motta Rala Wednesday, 09 May 2012 01:02 PM

Better if we can thow/sling stones at those who deserve it..I can name many who even dont deserve stones thrown at them, but live in glass houses and palaces, with mud all over them..

Black Mamba Wednesday, 09 May 2012 11:24 AM

It is not your action that we are afraid will be copied but your attitude towards your country that you presently have which we hope and pray will not be emulated by anyone else!

Nodrog Wednesday, 09 May 2012 10:45 AM

Even if any one does it will still be a copy only.

Bagalawathee Wednesday, 09 May 2012 10:18 AM

God bless you Malinga. Hope you can play for many more years.LOL

Cricketer Wednesday, 09 May 2012 10:00 AM

He should not be playing in the first place, he is a NO BOWLER, bad influence to the kids, the only way he should have been allowed to enter the cricket ground as a cheer leader. LMAO.

Kondebandapucheena Wednesday, 09 May 2012 09:59 AM

Please you play for IPL at least another Srilankan will get a chance
in lankan Team.

mitin Wednesday, 09 May 2012 09:12 AM

too late malinga.... ppl have already copied ur action and they are practicing by throwing stones at protests!!!!

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Don't copy my action- Malinga

Comments - 22

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