IPL 2020: Big blow for Rajasthan Royals as star player ruled out of tournament

In a major blow for Rajasthan Royals, England pacer Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the IPL. Archer suffered a stress fracture to his elbow during England’s ongoing tour of South Africa. He missed three Test matches against South Africa due to his injury issues.

The injury also rules Archer out of England’s tour of Sri Lanka where they will play two Test matches. An official statement by the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the injury to Archer. The statement read:

“Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of England’s Test tour of Sri Lanka and the Indian Premier League 2020 season. Archer underwent further scans on his injured right elbow yesterday in the UK which confirmed a low-grade stress fracture. He will now commence an injury rehabilitation programme with the ECB medical team with a view to be ready for the international summer campaign starting in June against the West Indies in a three-match Test series.”

Archer was slated to be one of Rajasthan’s key player during the upcoming IPL season. Being their most destructive weapon with the ball, Archer was set to lead the attack for the Jaipur-based franchise. He was bought by the franchise for 7.2 crores during the 2018 auctions. His stock has only risen by leaps and bounds since then, after a sensational debut in international cricket last year. Archer starred in England’s 2019 World Cup triumph while also making a big impact in the Ashes.

It will now be interesting to watch who Rajasthan seek as an injury replacement for the pacer. They are well-stocked in the pace bowling department, boasting the likes of Ankit Rajpoot, Varun Aaron, Jaydev Unadkat, Oshane Thomas, Andrew Tye and Tom Curran.