Rajasthan Royals confident that Jofra Archer will be fit for IPL

Every Indian Premier League season, some of the franchises bear the brunt of sudden injuries to their players. Last year, the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli missed out on the start of the tournament due to an injury. Similarly, this year, Kolkata Knight Riders’ Andre Russell’s participation in the tournament remains unsure due to a recent injury he sustained in the Pakistan Super League.

Archer was bought for 7.2 crores!

Similarly, Rajasthan Royals’ Jofra Archer, who was picked by the returning franchise for a whopping 7.2 crore, was ruled out of the Pakistan Super League due to a side strain, which led to speculations of him missing the IPL too. The franchise put up a video message by Archer on social media. “Speed sensation Jofra Archer waves goodbye. Sad he could only play 2 out of 4 matches due to a side strain. See you soon JOF!!! #Zordaar11,” Gladiators’ post read.

However, his IPL franchise is confident that the West Indies player will be available for the tournament that begins on April 7 in Mumbai.

According to Sportstar, the Royals’ support staff is monitoring Archer’s fitness. “We are looking after him in Dubai. We are confident of getting him from the start,” a highly placed source confirmed told the website.

The 22-year-old all-rounder has 833 runs and 89 wickets from 20 first-class games, and 195 runs and 50 wickets from 40 T20s. He has played for the Hobart Hurricanes and Quetta Gladiators, and the IPL 11 will be his season of the league. Jofra finished as their highest wicket-taker for Sussex in Division Two last year. In the past, Dale Steyn had heaped praises on him for his ferocious yorkers and bouncers.

A strong RR outfit 

The return of Rajasthan, along with Chennai Super Kings, has added to the excitement of the tournament. Under Shane Warne’s mentorship, Steve Smith’s captaincy and performance of players like Ben Stokes and Ajinkya Rahane, the 2008 title winners will be hoping to reclaim the trophy this year.