Mumbai Indians bagged the England pacer Jofra Archer for INR 8 crore.
The cricket fans might get to witness one of the deadliest bowling combinations next year in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with both Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer playing for the Mumbai Indians. Archer is currently recovering from his elbow injury and will not be taking part in the upcoming season, however, he registered his name in the mega auction.
While many teams would have been reluctant to buy him due to his unavailability this year, the Mumbai franchise bagged him at a whopping INR 8 crore in anticipation of his participation next season. Bumrah and Archer have been two of the best pace bowlers in the current generation and they can easily clock up speeds above 150 Kmph.
One option became very dear to us: Mumbai Indians owner
Mumbai Indian owner Akash Ambani, in the press conference, explained their decision to pick the England fast bowler. He pointed out that Archer was the only marquee fast bowler left by the time his name came up. Most of the teams had already shelled out a whopping amount for other pacers earlier in the auction. Akash also said that picking Archer was on their minds before the auction and was happy that they got him.
“We took all those into consideration. After yesterday, what the fast bowlers went at, one option became very dear to us that Jofra was the only marquee fast bowler left on the list.
“So, we had discussed his name previously also and of course, he (Archer) is not available this year but when he is fit and available, I believe that with (Jasprit Bumrah) he will make a formidable partnership,”
Mumbai Indians franchise has invested in overseas pacers like Tymal Mills, Daniel Sams and Riley Meredith for the upcoming season and has gone in for the likes of Jaydev Unadkat, Basil Thampi as backups for Bumrah. The five-time IPL champions will be keen to have a good season after missing out in the playoffs last year.
