Sunil Gavaskar lambasts Jofra Archer for leaving MI midway

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has been a forgettable season for English pacer Jofra Archer. Mumbai Indians acquired Archer in the IPL 2022 auction for INR 8 crore. Unfortunately, he missed the 2022 season due to a long-term injury. His 2023 campaign was recently halted by an elbow fracture.

Archer’s performance with Mumbai Indians has been disappointing. During his two-year stint, he played only five matches (all in 2023) and managed to take just two wickets. Observing his lacklustre performances and his mid-season departure due to injury, former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar openly criticized Archer. He suggested that the franchise should not pay him at all.

Gavaskar’s take on Archer

“What has been Mumbai Indians experience of Jofra Archer? They took a punt on him, knowing that he was injured and would be available only this season. They paid big money for him, and what has he given in return? He didn’t seem 100 percent fit. He should have informed the franchise about it,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

“There’s simply no point paying even one rupee for a player, however big a name he may be, if he is not going to be available for the entire tournament. It’s got to be the player’s choice to pick playing for an IPL franchise or his country. Full marks to him if he chooses country over IPL, but if he chooses IPL, then he has to fulfil his commitments totally and not make some excuse and leave early, especially towards the time when qualifying for the Playoffs becomes crucial,” he added.

Mumbai Indians were already grappling with injury issues. This includes the absence of ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, and now they have lost Archer as well. As the five-time champions aim to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the competition, the absence of key bowlers could spell disaster for the team.