England speedster Jofra Archer has returned back home to England after deciding to opt out of the ongoing Indian Premier League in order to undergo rehabilitation. The World Cup-winning pacer, who has had a number of fitness issues over the past few years, did not take a very active part in the current edition of the IPL despite being available.
He played just three of Mumbai’s ten matches prior to his departure while not putting up the sort of performance that has come to be expected of him in the past couple of years. Archer will be replaced by England teammate and all-rounder Chris Jordan. The experienced Jordan will take part in the game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore and will be available for the entirety of the tournament.
While Archer was not formally injured during the tournament, Rohit Sharma had mentioned that the seamer was “a little unwell” prior to their second league game. However, it was later revealed by Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher that Archer had traveled to Belgium to undergo a minor surgical procedure to address a nagging elbow issue. The success of the procedure is not entirely known, but the record champions did not refer to the pacer as injured but just announced that Jordan was to replace him.
“Chris Jordan will join the MI squad for the rest of the season. Chris replaces Jofra Archer, whose recovery and fitness continues to be monitored by ECB. Jofra will return home to focus on his rehabilitation.”
the Mumbai Indians said in their statement.
The five-time champions have suffered due to a lack of world-class bowing options, especially in the pace bowling department. Jasprit Bumrah’s injury has ruled him out of action for the foreseeable future, and Archer’s injury comes as another blow to the Mumbai Indians.
The franchise is yet to realise their dream of Archer and Bumrah playing together. The Englishman recently mentioned that he was focussed on playing Test cricket again, and with the Ashes coming closer, he will focus on preparing for the coveted series.
