In a significant development for Mumbai Indians, Chris Jordan, the talented English speedster, has been brought on board as the replacement for the injured Jofra Archer in the ongoing IPL 2023. Mumbai Indians made the announcement on Tuesday (May 9), stating that Archer will return home for rehabilitation while Jordan takes his place.
The season so far has been a mixed bag for Archer, who recently made his comeback to international cricket after a prolonged injury absence. Initially expected to be available for the entire IPL season, the 28-year-old speedster played in Mumbai Indians' opening game but soon faced setbacks due to soreness in his elbow. This recurring injury forced him to miss the next four games and led to a minor surgery in Belgium. Archer will now head back to England, where the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will closely monitor his rehabilitation progress.
In an official press release, the ECB explained, "Pushing through the discomfort while recently playing, hoping it will settle, has proven challenging. Therefore, it has been agreed for him to return to the UK for a period of rest and rehabilitation to give him the best opportunity for a full recovery." Archer will collaborate with the ECB medical department and Sussex County Cricket Club to regain full fitness.
Meanwhile, Chris Jordan, who represented the Chennai Super Kings in the previous edition, is all set to join his fifth IPL franchise. Having previously played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Jordan brings valuable experience to the Mumbai Indians. With 28 IPL appearances and 27 wickets to his name, Jordan has showcased his prowess in the tournament.
Mumbai Indians secured Jordan's services for INR 2 Crore, recognizing his ability to bolster the team's death bowling capabilities. The defending champions have been striving to address concerns in this area, and Jordan's arrival promises to provide the much-needed stability. Known for his skillful execution of yorkers and variations in pace, Jordan's expertise will be instrumental in crunch situations.
As Chris Jordan takes his place in the Mumbai Indians squad, fans can expect thrilling performances and a renewed strength in the team's death bowling department. Stay tuned for more updates on the IPL and witness the action unfold with this exciting new addition to the Mumbai Indians' lineup.