Jofra Archer missed four straight games after playing in Mumbai Indians' (MI) IPL 2023 opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) before making a comeback for the match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 22. While MI head coach Mark Boucher first stated that Archer's absence was due to "a little niggle," it has since come to light that the right-arm pacer saw a Belgian elbow specialist and underwent a "little procedure."
The Telegraph said that Jofra Archer headed to Belgium for a quick procedure on his problematic right elbow. "The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that Archer had visited his specialist in Belgium. It is understood that, after assessment by the specialist, Archer underwent what sources describe as 'a minor procedure' before returning to India," the report stated.
'Already worrying and troubling time for a player, and you exploit it for your personal gain' – Jofra Archer
Meanwhile, on Wednesday (April 26), Archer lashed out at the report with a tweet: "Putting out an article without knowing the facts & without my consent is crazy. Whoever the reporter is, shame on you, an already worrying and troubling time for a player, and you exploit it for your personal gain; it's people like you that are the problem ."
Last Saturday, while bowling against PBKS, Archer consistently hit 145 km/h. He didn't appear to be in pain. He did not, however, play in MI's most recent game against Gujarat Titans on April 25. Jofra Archer's inclusion in MI's starting XI for their match against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, April 30, is still up in the air.
As it has just been a few months since Archer made a comeback following stress fractures to his elbow and, subsequently, his back, it has also been found that the ECB medical staff has been in close contact with its counterpart in the MI camp.
The right-arm pacer had a difficult year in 2021 due to ongoing elbow issues that were ultimately determined to be stress fractures, which prevented him from competing in the 20-20 World Cup and Ashes. He was signed by Mumbai Indians for a staggering amount of Rs 8 crore in the super auctions that same year. Earlier this year, he also participated in the new SA20 season for the franchise's Cape Town branch.
Here's how fans reacted:
🤦♀️so it was fake
— naq5 (@ntweet_55) April 26, 2023
but i guess you havent seen what bumrah has to go thru for getting injured, when a player needs support these people troll him
Even if that news was wrong i want you to do it. Please leave my team.
— हर्षित// Dead Inside (@Italymeraghar) April 26, 2023
Full sumpott Jofra, come back home 💗
— Ritikardo Di Caprio 💗 💛 (@ThandaPeg) April 26, 2023
Comeback Stronger Jofra❤️
— Saksham Subedi (@Sakshamm45) April 26, 2023
We are always with you🥹
tag the @ECB_cricket man. they confirmed it! pic.twitter.com/HmWC2iymyR
— 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗼 (@shroogin) April 26, 2023
Archer baba - to reporters pic.twitter.com/tyFhCKKYVJ
— jetha hi🏆ler 🐦 (@sterns_haschen) April 26, 2023
MI fans right now pic.twitter.com/Lh04FMSt3A
— Virat Kohli Worldwide (@ViratianTweets) April 26, 2023
Chalo jofra bhai matter sort out karne pic.twitter.com/vH6zVfpANw
— SATYAM ☕ (@satym_45) April 26, 2023