IPL 2021: Jofra Archer likely to miss the first half
England pace spearhead Jofra Archer is set to miss at least the first half of IPL 2021 for the Rajasthan Royals. He is expected to fly back home from India to recover from an elbow injury, which had kept him out of the second and fourth Tests against India. It is understood that Archer will also miss the upcoming ODI series against India.
His condition will be assessed by the ECB medical staff
As per reports, Archer is going to receive one more injection in his right elbow before being assessed by the ECB medical staff. A call would then be taken on whether he would return to India for the IPL or not. Although Rajasthan Royals are yet to issue an official statement, they have been updated about Archer's condition.
Final decision rests with the medical team: Morgan
After the final T20I against India, England captain Eoin Morgan said that the final decision would rest with the medical team, adding that Archer's injury had "definitely gotten worse". "We're not quite sure yet. He's clearly had a progressive injury that has become worse and does need attention, so it'll be over to our medical team to make a decision," he said.
England are keen to manage workload of Archer
As stated, Archer missed the second and final Tests due to his elbow injury. He received a pain-killing injection to the right elbow after the opening Test. In a media release, the ECB had pointed out that the injury was different from stress fracture. Although he played the T20I series, England are keen to manage his workload, considering the T20 WC and The Ashes.
Archer was bought by the Royals in 2018
Archer has been one of the most proficient bowlers in the IPL lately. He was bought by RR in the 2018 auction for Rs. 7.2 crore, and duly justified his selection by delivering some great spells. The lanky seamer took 15 wickets in his inaugural season before scalping another 11 in the following one. In 2020, Archer finished as the MVP, taking 20 wickets.
Rajasthan Royals are considering back-up options
The likes of Ben Stokes, Mustafizur Rahman, Andrew Tye and Chris Morris make up the overseas fast-bowling contingent at the Royals. Notably, Morris was picked up by the Royals for Rs. 16.25 crore at the 2021 auction, the most-expensive player in IPL history. It has been learned that the RR are considering back-up options for Archer, who owns 46 IPL wickets at 21.32.
