Chris Jordan replaces injured Jofra Archer at Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians have inked a deal with England speedster Chris Jordan for the remainder of the IPL 2023. Jordan has been roped in as the injury replacement for Jofra Archer, who "will return home to focus on his rehabilitation" MI said in a statement on Tuesday (May 9).

It has turned out to be a short yet roller-coaster season for Archer who made his return to international cricket earlier this year after a lengthy injury lay-off. He was expected to be available for the entire season, and the 28-year-old did feature in Mumbai's opening game of the season before being sidelined for the next four games due to a soreness in his elbow. The injury ensured that he kept being in and out of the playing XI and also forced him to fly to Belgium for a minor surgery. Now, Archer will fly back to England where his rehabilitation shall be closely monitored by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

"Pushing through the discomfort whilst recently playing, hoping it will settle, has proven challenging," said ECB in their official press release. "Therefore, it has been agreed for him to return to the UK for a period of rest and rehabilitation to give him the best opportunity for a full recovery.

"Archer will return to the UK this week and will work on his rehab with the ECB medical department and Sussex County Cricket Club, respectively."

Meanwhile, Jordan, who represented Chennai Super Kings last year, is all set to represent his fifth IPL franchise. Apart from CSK, Jordan has previously had stints with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Englishman has played 28 IPL games thus far with a tally of 27 wickets.

Jordan has been picked up for INR 2 Crore and is expected to lend stability to Mumbai's death bowling that has been a major cause of concern for the five-time champions this season.