Sunil Gavaskar Lashes Out Over Jofra Archer, Says ‘What has he given in return?’

The IPL 2023 season has proven to be a challenging one for English fast bowler Jofra Archer. Mumbai Indians acquired the 28-year-old during the IPL 2022 auction for a substantial amount of INR 8 crore. Unfortunately, Archer’s debut season with the team was marred by a long-term injury, which forced him to sit out the entirety of IPL 2022. Moreover, his 2023 campaign suffered a setback as well when he sustained a fracture in his elbow, leading to a premature end to his participation.Mumbai Indians had high hopes for Archer when they invested in him, but the pacer’s performance on the field has been disappointing. Throughout his two-year stint with MI, Archer has only featured in five matches, all of which occurred in 2023. Regrettably, he has managed to secure a mere two wickets during this period.

Former Indian Cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disappointment with Jofra Archer and Mumbai Indians, even remarked ‘MI should not pay even one rupee to him. 

Sunil Gavaskar wrote this in a column “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?

“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. 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,”