'When I saw calls from +91, I knew exactly what had happened' - Jofra Archer ecstatic on being picked by MI in mega auction

Jofra Archer is overjoyed to have been selected by the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2022 bidding. Despite the fact that the 26-year-old will not be ready to participate in the IPL until 2023, MI appear to have taken a wise decision to include him for the next term.

The English fast bowler has been a revelation in the IPL, appearing in 35 games for the Rajasthan Royals and taking 46 wickets. Due to his physical problems and lack of availability, a few teams were interested in bidding for Archer at the IPL 2022 auction.

However, the two sides were still enthusiastic about Archer when MI was engaged in a bidding battle with the Royals. The Mumbai-based franchise ultimately paid INR eight crores for the pacer’s abilities.

Here’s what Jofra Archer had to say on being selected by MI

“My phone started to go off. Back-to-back messages. I think some guys from the Mumbai team ended up calling me. When I saw calls from +91, I knew exactly what had happened. I was really excited as it is a great franchise. Really excited to get started and start winning some games and trophies, said Archer in a video posted by MI.

Jofra Archer felt that his stint with the Royals taught him a lot. However, the 26-year-old believes it is critical for him to push outside of his familiar environment and maintain consistency in his efforts. He explained:

“The change of team and atmosphere is really good because then you get to challenge yourself again because sometimes it is okay to operate in your comfort zone. But once you have gone away and began to perform again in a different team then you can rate yourself.”

The English player also used the renowned footballer Cristiano Ronaldo as an instance. Despite spending over a decade at Real Madrid, Ronaldo moved on to other teams and continued to perform admirably.

He continued, “It is like when Ronaldo left, many people said that he wasn’t going to be good outside of Spain. But he has proved himself wherever he has gone now and no one can doubt his skills. So it is the same mindset.”