Why has Lasith Malinga become rusty?

#2. Failure to innovate

Malinga is not a traditional bowler who thrives on line and length or massive seam movement. His ace weapon is his surprise element. He emerged in international cricket with his awkward and unorthodox bowling action, which was surprising for batsmen.

Later, he added the toe-crushing yorker in his variations which dipped dangerously onto the batsmen and reaped heavy success with it. During the first half of this decade, he learned the art of delivering slower ones accurately and outfoxed the batsmen.

However, in the last couple of years, there has been no addition to his bowling abilities. His skills have become redundant and batsmen across the world have decoded his weapons.

The yorkers and slower deliveries have become common and bowlers now are working on the knuckle ball or bowling by using the crease and angles. However, the Sri Lankan pacer hasn't upped the ante and he operates with the same skills and weapons.