Mumbai Indians' Sri Lankan speedster Malinga tells MID DAY why he is enjoying his stint with the City-based IPL club

THE roaring success of the third Indian Premier League (IPL) has yet again triggered off the country versus club debate.

It would be a tad over the top to suggest that anything can replace the pride and passion of playing for your country, but club loyalty is indeed getting stronger.

The success of Mumbai Indians and their Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga is a case in point.



Malinga is enjoying every moment of his time with his IPL team and apart from his performances and the monetary benefits, it's the support of the Mumbai crowd which has made this tournament a memorable one for him.
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The Brabourne Stadium is engulfed by a deafening din with chants of MAA-LIN-GA, MAA-LIN-GAA each time he marks his run-up.u00a0 The Sri Lankan toe-crusher sure is loving all the adulation.

"It feels great. I feel like I am playing in my home country," Malinga told MiD DAY.

"My parents and in-laws were here for a few games and were very surprised (the support he's getting in Mumbai)," added Malinga.

The fast bowler has won the hearts of the Mumbai fans with his brand of cricket unconventional but lethal. And Malinga's repaying their faith with interest. He's the third highest wicket-taker in the IPL.

Excerpts from a chat:

How's it to hear the crowd chanting your name every time you run in to bowl?
It feels great. I am very happy to be playing for MI; the crowd is always with us. Every time I come to bowl they expect me to do something. But I know for a fact that the crowd will support me only if I do well.