Mumbai Indian's (MI) coach Mark Boucher confirmed Jofra Archer is available for selection against Rajasthan Royals (RR) despite travelling to Belgium for a minor surgery.
There were reports in the media that the England paceman had flown from the MI camp in order to have surgery on his elbow, but Archer has hit back at those suggestions and claimed they are devoid of facts.
However, on the eve of MI's fixture against RR, Boucher put the matter to rest confirming that the bowler had indeed travelled to Belgium to undergo a minor procedure on his elbow.
Did Jofra Archer go to Belgium for surgery?
"Yes, he was (in Belgium for surgery). I believe it was a minor surgery," the South African confirmed.
The bowler had travelled for a day but Boucher admitted that he was not aware of the timing. "I have things to look after," he said.
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Is Jofra Archer available for selection against Rajasthan Royals?
Despite, undergoing the knife, Archer has made a remarkable recovery and is available for selection against RR.
"We all know what Jofra can do. He's been a fantastic bowler for many years now. So, he adds a different dimension to our attack. Obviously, some good pace. He can bowl with the new ball and he's very good at the death as well. It (death overs) is one area where we've struggled a bit. So, he can hopefully come in and fulfil that role, bowling in those situations," the MI coach said.
"As far as I know, Jof is available for selection," he added.
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How has Jofra Archer performed in IPL 2023 for Mumbai Indians?
Archer had been out of international cricket for close to two years nursing a back injury. Despite being injured, he was picked by MI for a whopping Rs 8 crore in the 2022 IPL mega auction.
He missed the entire 2022 edition of the IPL and this season, after playing MI's campaign opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) he complained of feeling pain in his right elbow and was subsequently rested against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Before the match against Delhi Capitals (DC), MI skipper Rohit Sharma did not elaborate on his injury and just mentioned that "Jofra is not available."
He was under the watch observation of the MI medical team, and ahead of their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18, there were reports that he could play the game. However, he did not make it but was finally picked against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 22.
Archer bowled his quota of four overs but went for 42 runs and was visibly struggling to get the right line and length.
Whereas, in their next fixture against Gujarat Titans on April 25, he once again failed to make the cut but is now available to play against RR.
In the two matches, he has played for MI thus far, he has picked up one wicket and conceded 75 runs at an economy rate of 9.38.
