Fast bowler Jofra Archer’s injury is a ‘big blow’ for his Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals, the team director Kumar Sangakkara said on Monday. He also added that he did not know when the England star would be fit to play.

The 26-year-old was ruled out of the start of the IPL with a right elbow problem sustained during England’s recent tour of India.

The bowler underwent surgery last month to remove a piece of glass left in his finger from when he accidentally smashed a fish tank at home whilst cleaning it but will need time to recover. 

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While most pundits might have ruled out Archer’s participation in the 2021 season, Sangakkara said that the  team “are certainly hoping that he will be available for some part of the IPL”.

In the press-conference ahead of Rajasthan Royals’ opening fixture against Punjab Kings in Mumbai, Kumar Sangakarra said, “Not having him at the start is a big blow for us, because a lot of our planning is centered around his availability, and such last-minute injury concerns do affect any side, especially if it’s a player of the quality of Jofra.”

Archer is deemed as a genuine pacer with an ability to clock 150 kmph regularly. He was Rajasthan’s highest wicket-taker last season with 20 wickets and was also named the tournament’s most valuable player.

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Archer has had troubles since England’s 2019 tour of South Africa and Sangakkara expressed his concerns for the Barbados-born cricketer’s career ahead.

“We have to be concerned about him as a player because his career is long-term and is not restricted to just one season and the IPL. His value to world cricket and to England cricket is part of our decision and we will be guided by the experts in English cricket who look after Jofra. It’s not something we look at selfishly and we take a holistic view of how important Jofra is,” the Sri Lankan added.

Rajasthan Royals – lead by Sanju Samson – take on KL Rahul’s Punjab Kings on Monday at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.