Will Jofra Archer join RCB? Presence of star pacer in Bengaluru sparks speculations ahead of IPL 2024

While the pace bowling sensation was ruled out of the mega event in December only, his presence in Bengaluru city has raised curiosities on him joining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise.

Archer, who has not played competitive cricket since May 2023, suffered a recurrence of an elbow stress fracture while playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023 and was subsequently ruled out of all the future cricketing activities. In December 2023, the ECB announced that the speedster will not take part in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league as he is not fully fit.

Archer, currently out of the IPL 2024 due to an ongoing recovery from an elbow injury, is in Bengaluru as part of his county side Sussex’s pre-season training camp. Several county teams are utilizing Bengaluru’s warm weather for off-season training sessions and practice matches.

Archer’s focus on T20 World Cup

While fans around the world would be hoping to see the former Mumbai Indians player take part in the premier tournament, his focus remains on regaining full fitness so that he can represent England at the showpiece T20 World Cup. The 28-year-old pace bowler is being closely monitored by the ECB medical team as they want him to represent the nation at the big event.

After undergoing a surgery an year ago, the fast bowler finally made his return to competitive cricket earlier this month in a second-division County Championship match. His main focus is to be in peak condition for the upcoming T20 World Cup later this year, especially after considering England’s disastrous run at the ODI World Cup 2023.

The 17th edition of the IPL will start on March 22 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings hosting Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opener at Chepauk.