"Chris Jordan replacing Jofra Archer, are we RCB?" - Fans erupt as Jordan replaces injured Archer in MI squad for the remainder of IPL 2023

Mumbai Indians (MI) speedster Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the ongoing IPL 2023 due to an injury. The 28-year-old will now undergo recovery under the supervision of the England Cricket Board (ECB) ahead of the Ashes.

Another England international Chris Jordan, who was serving as their net bowler, has replaced him in the MI squad for the remainder of this season. The 34-year-old has joined the franchise at his base price of ₹2 crore.

In a statement, MI wrote:

“England all-rounder, Chris Jordan will join the MI squad for the rest of the season, replacing Jofra Archer, whose recovery and fitness continues to be monitored by ECB. Jofra will return home to focus on his rehabilitation.”

It added:

“Archer was a key part of our campaign in the first half of this season. We wish him the best and cannot wait to have him back with us, fitter, stronger, quicker, deadlier.”

Jordan, who was part of England’s 2022 T20 World Cup-winning team, has scalped 315 wickets in 302 games at an economy rate of 8.58. The Sussex bowler has been one of the best death-overs bowlers and a handy lower-order batter.

Fans on Twitter expressed their disappointment with Jofra Archer leaving the franchise in the second half of IPL 2023. One user tweeted:

"Chris Jordan replacing Jofra Archer. Are we RCB? What has happened to us?"

Here are some of the other strong reactions:

For the uninitiated, MI bought Archer for ₹8 crore at the IPL 2022 mega auction despite knowing that he won’t play that season. In IPL 2023, he returned with two wickets in five games at an economy rate of 9.50.

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MI will face RCB sans Jofra Archer

Mumbai Indians will next play the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They will now be looking to avenge their eight-wicket loss against RCB earlier this season.

It will be a stiff challenge for the hosts to overcome the likes of Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, and Glenn Maxwell with a depleted bowling unit.

Mumbai are currently placed eighth in the latest IPL 2023 points table. A win against RCB will take them to third place.