Jofra Archer MI (Photo Source: IG)

Jofra Archer made his much-awaited return to the Indian Premier League after the English pacer was snapped up in the iconic Blue and Gold of Mumbai Indians on Sunday. The Mumbai-based franchise shared Archer’s pic in the team’s colours after the star pacer joined the training camp on Sunday.

The English speedster was snaffled by the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2022 but did not participate in the tournament due to injury concerns. However, he made his return to international cricket earlier this year after appearing in the inaugural edition of the SA20 in January 2023, scalping ten wickets in six matches of the newly incepted domestic league.

This will be the first time that the star pacer will take the field for the five-time champions, and the Mumbai faithful were over the moon seeing Archer in the iconic Blue and Gold jersey. Mumbai Indians shared a photo of Archer’s braided hair from behind, donning the team’s jersey for the first time. While the fans were excited to see the star pacer’s arrival for IPL 2023, his teammate Tim David also expressed his delight, commenting, “Jof Time.”

Archer’s return to form is a big boost for the Mumbai-based franchise as they will be without star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the 16th edition of the tournament. The English pacer will be leading the lines and will be under pressure to deliver as Jhye Richardson was also ruled out of the upcoming tournament due to an injury.

However, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that Archer will do the job for Mumbai Indians as he is quite adept at bowling upfront as well as in the death overs.

“Jofra Archer is a trump card for sure. I think their strength will be the presence of Jofra Archer. He can pick wickets upfront and also bowl a couple of overs in the end, block the runs and pick up wickets as well,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

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