(Reuters) – Rajasthan Royals will not rush Jofra Archer back from injury but hopes England’s fast bowler will play a role in their campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season, said team director Kumar Sangakkara.
Archer underwent surgery to remove a glass piece of tendon on his right hand last week after an attempt to clean his fish tank went wrong.
The 25-year-old man sustained an injury in his home in January and underwent surgery while undergoing treatment for a long-term elbow injury.
“Not having it at first is a big blow to us because a lot of our planning is centered around its availability,” said Sangakkara ahead of their opener season against the Punjab Kings yesterday.
“We certainly hope it will be available for some part of the IPL but we have contingency plans in place now and no risks are taken.
“It is very important that Jofra becomes fit, not only for the IPL, but important for his international career.
“Its value to world cricket and to English cricket is part of our decision and we will be guided by the experts in English cricket who look after Jofra.”
Rajasthan first bought Archer for 72 million Indian rupees ($ 959,475) in 2018 and they have kept the Barbados-born fast all season. He was the tournament’s most valuable player last season with 20 wickets. ($ 1 = 75.0410 Indian rupees)