Jofra Archer was bought for a whopping sum of Rs 7.2 crore by Rajasthan Royals.
West Indian Jofra Archer has been turning heads in the ongoing Big Bash League 2018 but in the cricketing fraternity he was still an unknown commodity, that is until Saturday. This was after IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals bought him for a hefty Rs 7.2 crore at IPL Auction 2018 and has now made the everyone sit up and take notice. So who is this new maverick West Indian all-rounder that has burst on to the scene and seemingly will light up the upcoming IPL season? Let’s take a look.
Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, 22-year-old Archer represented West Indies in the U-19 cricket but now plies his trade in English county cricket, playing for Sussex. It was here that he earned plaudits for his all-around skills. With the ball in his hand, Archer can be a skiddy customer clocking speeds upto 145 kmph. He is equally capable with the bat and is an athletic fielder as well, a glimpse of which was visible in the ongoing BBL season where he ran out Adam Voges, courtesy of a sensational direct-hit from long-off.
Been keeping a keen eye on Jofra Archer whilst playing for Sussex (tipped by Will Davis)
Playing BBL now, this kid is gana be special! 🏏👌🏼— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) 21 December 2017
In the BBL, Archer has been in sensational form. So far he has picked up more than 30 wickets but most importantly bowls with an economy rate of 7.81 and boasts a strike rate of 18.1. With the bat his T20 strike rate is 145.45.
Archer’s performances had made veteran South African seamer Dale Steyn sit up and take notice. “Been keeping a keen eye on Jofra Archer whilst playing for Sussex (tipped by Will Davis) Playing BBL now, this kid is gana be special,” he said. Now it remains to be seen whether the kid does live up to his reputation and becomes a force to be reckoned with.