Jofra Archer Ruled Out, Chris Jordan Replaces Him at MI

England’s T20 specialist Chris Jordan has replaced his compatriot Jofra Archer in the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad for the remainder of the IPL 2023 season. The MI camp secured his services for a fee of INR 2 crore, and he has already joined the team ahead of their upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday night.

Jordan’s addition to the MI squad is a welcome boost, considering the issues they have faced with their international fast bowlers. Although he went unsold during the players’ auction last December, Jordan has previous experience playing in the IPL, having represented various teams such as RCB, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Since his IPL debut in 2016, Jordan has played 28 matches and has taken 27 wickets. He has also represented England in 87 T20Is and has an impressive record of 96 T20I wickets. Jordan’s last appearance in the IPL was for CSK in 2022, where he managed to pick only two wickets in four matches. However, his current form, as evidenced by his recent performances in T20 cricket, suggests that he could play a vital role in MI’s quest for IPL glory.

MI to Miss Archer for the Remainder of the Season

“Chris Jordan will join the MI squad for the rest of the season, replacing Jofra Archer, whose recovery and fitness continues to be monitored by ECB. Jofra will return home to focus on his rehabilitation. Archer was a key part of our campaign in the first half of this season. We wish him the best and cannot wait to have him back with us, fitter, stronger, quicker, deadlier. Jordan –  who’s Archer’s Sussex team-mate, and one of his closest friends – needs no introduction. A World Cup winner, he’s been one of the best death-overs bowlers in the country, and a more-than-handy lower-order bat. With the business end of the tournament approaching, his experience is going to be vital,” said Mumbai Indians in a media release.

Jordan Brings Wealth of Experience to the MI Setup

MI has been plagued with a series of setbacks regarding their international fast bowlers this season. With Jasprit Bumrah out of commission and Jhye Richardson ruled out, the team has struggled to find their footing in the bowling department. Jofra Archer’s return from Belgium, where he consulted with an elbow specialist, has not gone as planned. The star pacer has managed to play only five matches for MI this season, taking just two wickets with an average of 95 and an economy rate of 9.5.

Nevertheless, there might be light at the end of the tunnel for MI, as Jordan has emerged as a potential solution to their fast bowling woes. The English pacer has been honing his skills in T20 cricket and has shown impressive form in recent tournaments. His standout performance in the ILT20 tournament in February, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets in ten innings at an average of 13.80, is a testament to his skill and expertise. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in England’s recent T20I series against Bangladesh, further highlighting his current form.