'This will probably end Archer's journey...': Pietersen's blockbuster remark
Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen has issued a bold statement about MI pacer Jofra Archer amid who have been rule out from IPL 2023.
Crickate
Jofra Archer has endured a forgettable season, and the England fast bowler will have a forgettable summer in all formats of the game. Tuesday, speedster Archer was ruled out of the prestigious Ashes series due to a stress fracture in his right forearm. Former cricketer Kevin Pietersen has made a forthright statement about the injured pacer in the wake of England's significant setback in the lead-up to the Test series against archrival Australia.
Archer, who was acquired by Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians for a whopping INR 8 crore at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, failed to create an impression in his first season with MI. The erstwhile Rajasthan Royals (RR) star only appeared in five matches during the 2023 IPL season. Archer was sidelined for 17 months due to multiple injuries before making his return to international cricket in January.
Sharing his thoughts on Archer's injury setback during the IPL 2023, Pietersen noted that a recurrence of a stress fracture could mean the end of his English cricket career. "I'm devastated for Jofra. Completely devastated. I believe this will be the end of his English cricket career. I am aware of rumors surrounding a franchise agreement, and he would be wise to pursue one at this time. Take six months to rehabilitate, then bowl at the speed of light for a few months of the year. He would earn a substantial income and continue his vocation in the game," Pietersen wrote on his Betaway blog.
Additionally, Pietersen had reservations about Archer playing the longest format of the English game. The 28-year-old has represented England in 21 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 13 Tests. "I believe that the extended version of the game has passed him by. I believe that English cricket has passed him by. It is not his fault; he is simply injury-prone. As much as he desires to play for England, which I am aware is his ambition, it's probably over. He should now go to franchise cricket and earn as much as possible. But first, he must get in shape," Pietersen added.
