In what is a killer blow for Rajasthan Royals, Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the entire duration of the 13th instalment of the Indian Premier League. The English pacer is a trump card for the Royals, and also the commander-in-chief of their bowling attack. This news has put Steve Smith’s team in the backseat, around a month before the start of the competition.
Archer was nursing an elbow injury. Though there were reports earlier stating his unavailability for the entire duration of IPL, Rajasthan Royals clarified that are working closely with the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to get him back as soon as possible. But given the extent of his injury and also the ICC World T20 coming up after the completion of IPL, it has been declared that Archer won’t be rushed back into fitness.
We’re working with the ECB to help @JofraArcher secure a speedy recovery, and still hope to see him in a Royals jersey this season.#RoyalsFamily pic.twitter.com/zZB6WFsQ5y
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 6, 2020
ECB have stated in a release that the pacer will undergo an MRI scan in a couple of days. Initially it was thought that Archer would be fit enough to hit the nets by the end of March, but it has now been reported that he will undergo rehab for a couple of weeks. As of now, he is likely to get fit by May. In that case, we might see him playing for Sussex, before England engages in a Test battle with West Indies.
Premier England fast bowler Jofra Archer ruled out of 2020 Indian Premier League due to stress fracture #jofraarcher #ipl2020 #ipl
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 6, 2020
What alternatives do the Royals have?
Archer has had injury concerns in the past, so Rajasthan Royals have already signed a plethora of foreign pacers. Though they are eligible to ask for a replacement for Archer, they already some great players in the team. Andrew Tye, who once used to fool everyone with his knuckleballs, is still a very effective bowler. He has been signed this year, alongside Archer’s national teammate Tom Curran. The English pacer can take everyone by surprise with his pace. In addition, they have re-signed West Indian pacer, Oshane Thomas.
