Jofra Archer will slowly-slowly get back to his normal rhythm: Jhulan Goswami

Star England seamer Jofra Archer has been having a forgettable season in IPL 2023, which has been marred by injuries and below-par performances on the field. The speedster has missed five out of the ten matches played by Mumbai Indians this season due to injuries and has leaked runs at an economy of 9.5 while picking two wickets in five games.

Mumbai are already missing their star seamer Jasprit Bumrah, who has undergone surgery and is currently going through his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. In Bumrah’s absence, the responsibility of leading MI’s bowling attack has fallen on Archer’s shoulders, who hasn’t been at his 100%.

Commenting on Archer’s struggles, former India cricketer Jhulan Goswami said that the fast bowler will take some time to find his rhythm as he’s coming from a long layoff due to injury.

“Jofra is coming after a long layoff from his injury, and more he’ll play slowly-slowly he’ll get back to his normal rhythm. After the injury, it’ll take time to get back to your normal rhythm and all. When I got injured, many times, whenever I come back to the field, I used to always think about my injury part, that if I do extra, if I get injured again then I might hamper the season," Jhulan Goswami was quoted as saying by News18.

Goswami further defended Archer and said that he is slowly coming back to his rhythm and that a bowler can’t always be judged by his strike rate, economy or wickets taken. Sometimes his comfort while bowling and the pace generated by him also indicate his rhythm.

Everytime you cannot go by anybody’s strike rate or economy or wickets: Jhulan Goswami

“So all those small-small things always work on your mind. Sometimes because of that also it can affect your performance. But at this moment, honestly speaking, Jofra is coming back to his rhythm, everytime you cannot go by anybody’s strike rate or economy or wickets it is all about how, he is looking comfortable while bowling, and how much pace he is able to generate," she added.

Notably, during MI’s previous fixture against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday, May 06, Archer looked in good rhythm as he bowled an economical spell of 0/24 in four overs. However, despite his good show, Mumbai ended up losing the match as CSK successfully chased down the target of 140, having six wickets in hand and 14 balls to spare.

The Rohit Sharma-led side will next face Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday, May 09, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.