IPL 2023: X-Factor Of Mumbai Indians
Jofra Archer will play a key role for Mumbai Indians (Source: Twitter)
To the delight of cricket fans across the globe, the biggest T20 carnival, the Indian Premier League is knocking at the doors. After a hectic home season, the IPL comes as a breath of fresh air, especially for the Indian fans, in the home summer.
Speaking of the Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in their first game of the season on April 2. The franchise, which achieved unparalleled heights between 2013 and 2020, has undergone a slump in recent years, failing to qualify for the playoffs in the last two seasons.
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However, ahead of the IPL 2023, MI released some of its non-performing players and secured the services of some high-profile names, including swashbuckling all-rounder Cameron Green, to bring an end to their two-year title drought.
Also, the addition of Jofra Archer, who missed the last season due to a career-threatening back injury, has strengthened MI's bowling unit.
Mumbai Indians, who have traditionally been reliant on their pacers, will expect Archer to emerge as their wrecker-in-chief with the ball in Jasprit Bumrah's absence. In such a scenario, we expect the English spearhead to be MI's x-factor in the IPL this season.
Why Jofra Archer?
Regarding as one of the fastest bowlers going around, Archer has found prolific success with the new ball in the powerplay in his T20 career. The right-arm pacer was instrumental for Rajasthan Royals, providing them with early breakthroughs throughout the tournament.
Besides being a crafty operator of the new ball, Archer has the ability to bowl in any phase of the game, unlike MI's past overseas recruits- Daniel Sams, Tymal Mills, Adam Milne and James Pattinson. Being a hit-the-deck seamer, he can keep some of the finest finishers quiet in the slog overs.
Furthermore, he can also contribute handy runs with a blistering strike rate, thereby ensuring a fitting finish for the team alongside Tim David and Cameron Green. Having Archer at number eight would give MI's top seven the licence to play an aggressive brand of cricket and take on the opposition from the word go.
Jofra Archer's T20 career
Overall, in 127 T20 innings, Archer has scalped 167 wickets, including two four-fers at a healthy strike rate of 17.3. After recovering from the back injury, the bowler enjoyed stellar success in the recently concluded SA20 competition, claiming 10 wickets in six appearances.
Additionally, the 27-year-old has always showcased his hitting skills at the highest level, slamming 556 T20 runs at a magnificent strike rate of 145.93.
Jofra Archer's T20 Career (Source: OneCricket)
Before joining Mumbai Indians, Archer was a vital cog in the Rajasthan Royals setup, scalping 46 wickets and scoring 195 runs at a strike rate of 157.26.
Therefore, considering his all-round ability and experience of playing in T20s across the globe, we expect the Englishman to be MI's trump card this season.
X-Factor Score
Powerplay Bowling Efficiency: 12.34
Middle-over Bowling Efficiency: 11.33
Death-over Bowling Efficiency: 13.78
Bowling Efficiency Score: 37.45
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