Finger injury rules Jofra Archer out of IPL 2021
In a massive blow to Rajasthan Royals, pace spearhead Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the entire Indian Premier League 2021. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the development on Friday. Archer recently underwent surgery on his middle finger and got cleared for bowling this week with higher intensity. Now, the ECB and Sussex medical teams will monitor his progress.
"The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that England and Sussex bowler Jofra Archer will not play in the 2021 Indian Premier League. The ECB and Sussex medical teams will continue to monitor his progress," the ECB said in a statement. "Archer will now step up his training regime starting next week and will be in full training with Sussex."
It is understood that Archer could play a second XI match in the next fortnight to assess his return from injury. The ECB statement added, "It is expected that he will return to cricket in the next fortnight if he can continue to bowl and prepare pain-free." "The ECB will confirm which matches he is expected to play in due course."
In March, Archer underwent a surgery on his hand in the aftermath of a bizarre incident. England's director of cricket Ashley Giles said Archer dropped a tropical fish tank in his bath, and suffered a cut on his middle finger of the right hand. Due to this, Archer's participation in the IPL had remained in doubt.
The absence of Archer will be a huge blow for RR, as they are struggling this season. In 2020, Archer finished as the MVP, having picked 20 wickets from 14 games at an economy of 6.55. He also slammed 113 runs. The Royals, who are last on the standings, might consider playing fast bowler Andrew Tye going forward.
