“There’s simply no point paying even one rupee for a player, however big a name he may…”: Sunil Gavaskar on Jofra Archer

Mumbai Indians have suffered many injuries in this IPL. With Bumrah injured, the campaign was looking tough for the Mumbai Indians. To make it worse, Jofra Archer also encountered an elbow injury. 

Since he was brought in, Mumbai’s investment in the top pacer has only decreased. Archer participated in five games throughout his two years with MI (all of them in 2023) but only managed to grab two wickets. In light of Archer’s early performances and the fact that he had to leave the IPL owing to an injury, former Indian hitter Sunil Gavaskar to the front and questioned him. He even suggested that they not give him even a single rupee. 

Gavaskar said

“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, and 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 fulfill 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’ loss to Lucknow was a little setback, while Punjab Kings‘ defeat to Delhi Capitals greatly increased their chances. Even if Mumbai wins their final game, there is still a chance that they could be eliminated.

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