Archer aiming to 'start a new chapter' with Mumbai Indians

'They have been a franchise that has always been close to my heart and I always wanted to play for them..'

England pacer Jofra Archer expressed his delight at joining five-time champions Mumbai Indians even though he won't available to play in the IPL this season as he continues his recovery from injury.

Archer was picked up by Mumbai Indians for Rs 8 crore on Day 2 of the IPL mega auction in Bengaluru on Sunday.

The England pacer will not be available for IPL 2022 season, and he would only start playing for the franchise from the next season as he continues his recovery following a second elbow surgery in December.

"I am super excited to be joining the Mumbai Indians, they have been a franchise that has always been close to my heart and I always wanted to play for them. I am so glad that I have finally gotten the opportunity to play for the franchise and share the dressing room with biggest stars in cricket. Really looking forward to start a new chapter," Archer said in an Instagram video posted by Mumbai Indians.

Mumbai Indians are looking at Archer being one of their legends in the space vacated by Lasith Malinga and staying on for the next five to six years and ready to sacrifice one year.

Mumbai Indians' Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan has said that it will be worth the wait when Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah start bowling in tandem for the franchise.

"You are eagerly waiting for the partnership to go on the field and so am I. To see two legendary fast bowlers bowling in tandem and I'm glad that it seems possible and will be worth the wait," said Zaheer.

The Mumbai Indians table went into a frenzy, getting involved in a bidding war, first with Rajasthan Royals and then with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

From a base price of Rs 2 crore, Archer, who was the Most Valuable Player in his debut year in IPL 2020, went into the five-crore club in the blink of an eye. Sunrisers Hyderabad got close with Rs 7 crore, but had to relent as Mumbai Indians launched a relentless approach to get their man.

In the end, it was the five-time champions who prevailed with a bid Rs 8 crore.