Jofra Archer posted on Instagram just five days before the IPL 2024 season opener in Bengaluru, causing excitement among RCB fans.
Is Jofra Archer, the England fast bowler, considering a late entry into the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL)? This question was frequently asked on social media after a video of Archer bowling for the English County side Sussex in Bengaluru went viral. Two days later, on Sunday, an Instagram story of Archer caused a stir on social media, leaving many wondering if the 28-year-old is on his way to joining Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), with the IPL 2024 season opener against defending champions Chennai Super Kings just five days away. It should be noted that Jofra Archer was released by MI before the IPL 2024 auction.
Archer, who was released by Mumbai Indians in November, returned to action this week for the first time since May 2023. The England fast bowler joined the Sussex squad in Karnataka for a pre-season preparatory camp ahead of the County Championship.
The video of Archer bowling in a two-day warm-up game for KSCA XI in Alur went viral on Friday. He even picked up wickets against his own County side. The clip raised questions about whether Archer is trying to secure an IPL contract for the 2024 season. Additionally, an Instagram post on Sunday featuring a picture of the RCB cafe sent RCB fans into a frenzy.
Archer was signed by Mumbai Indians in 2022 with the aim of creating the most lethal pace-bowling combination in the modern era alongside Jasprit Bumrah. However, Archer missed the entire IPL season due to injury, and on his return the following year, he played in just four matches before the injury recurred.
Nevertheless, Archer is still in contention for the T20 World Cup in June this year, with England managing his workload, and has therefore not submitted his name for the auction. The ICC event begins on 1 June. It will be played in the West Indies and the USA.