IPL 2023: MI Pacer Jofra Archer provides an update on his fitness

Jofra Archer made his MI debut against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2.

Mumbai Indians (MI) bowler Jofra Archer has provided an update about his fitness as he has missed quite a few games in the ongoing IPL 2023 despite initially playing a couple of matches for his team. He had made his Mumbai debut in their defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2.

He couldn’t manage to pick any wicket, but has since been on the sidelines due to what MI coach Mark Boucher described as "a little niggle".

Mumbai has invested heavily in Archer, initially signing him for INR 8 crores in IPL 2022 auction, despite knowing he wouldn’t be available for that season. With Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the IPL 2023, MI was banking on Archer to lead their inexperienced fast-bowling attack.

"Obviously the last two weeks aren't exactly what you would hope for after being so fully active. But it's what you expect when you've been off for a long time: the body's not going to be 100 percent straight away.

There are going to be moments where it feels a lot more serious than it actually is. I don't know which game will be the next game, but I'm just trying to put myself in the best position possible [to play]. To be honest, I still want to bowl fast and stuff - but when you feel good, you bowl good. I just want to focus on feeling good at the minute,” Archer told ESPNCricinfo.

Archer came into the IPL 2023 having played for MI Cape Town, their affiliate franchise in the SA20, where he played alongside his Mumbai teammates Dewald Brevis and Duan Jansen. And had made his return to international cricket earlier this year after a long lay-off.

I've been really well looked after here: Jofra Archer on playing for Mumbai Indians

Archer has been working closely with Ben Langley, the former ECB lead physiotherapist who joined MI as their head of sports science and medicine earlier this year.

"I've been really well looked after here. You feel at home. Everyone welcomed me with open arms. It's a great franchise and hopefully, I get the opportunity to win a few games for them. We've won more games than we've lost which is miles better than what we did last year, so everything is going well and the mood in the camp is good,” Archer said.

Archer is excited at the prospect of a potential home debut after watching two MI games at Wankhede from the sidelines.

"I probably didn't have the debut that I wanted. but I do have the opportunity to debut at home. Hopefully, I can make it a proper one this time. When we played Chennai at home, I couldn't believe the atmosphere - both teams have an unbelievable following. It is always great seeing the sea of blue [in the stands],” Archer signed off.

MI next play Punjab Kings at home in Mumbai on April 22 and then travel to Ahmedabad to face GT on April 25.