Lasith Malinga unlikely to play first half of IPL 2016: Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting, Mumbai Indians' coach, has said on Thursday (April 7) that Lasith Malinga, their bowling spearhead, hasn't fully recovered from his persistent knee injury and is unlikely to take part in the first half of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016. Malinga, who sustained a bone bruise in his left knee during the home series against West Indies last year, was ruled out of the tour of New Zealand.

Malinga returned to the squad for the Asia Cup 2016, but could play only a solitary game against UAE before he aggravated the knee injury. He also travelled with the Sri Lankan team for the ICC World T20 2016, but was ruled out of the tournament before their opening encounter against Afghanistan.

"I believe he will be joining us after the first couple of games to have his fitness assessed," Ponting reckoned. "Right now it's unlikely he will take part in the first half of the tournament anyway."

Ponting admitted that Malinga's injury is a blow to defending champions' hopes of retaining the title. However, he added that they have the required bench strength to cover up for Malinga's untimely injury."If we need a replacement, it will be have to be named ahead of the fifth game. At this stage you have to say it is unlikely (Malinga playing)."

Mumbai could turn to South Africa's Merchant de Lange or New Zealand's Tim Southee to fill the void that Malinga leaves. Ponting, however, opted to hold his cards close to his chest and said that they will have to deal with the 'nice' headache that the situation poses.

"Malinga at his best has been one of the great performers in world cricket, both with new and old ball.

"He will be missed, but we have to think about who the best replacement will be. Will it be Marchant de Lange, will it be Tim Southee? Will we go in with three overseas batsmen? So, there are headaches we have, which is a nice thing. If Malinga is ruled out, we have more than adequate replacement to fill his boots," Ponting said.