Jofra Archer, who represented the Rajasthan Royals the last time he played in the IPL, has said that Mumbai Indians are the team he always wanted to play for in the world’s most popular T20 tournament.

The England pacer was lapped up for Rs 8 crore in the IPL mega auction by the Mumbai franchise. However, it is unlikely that Archer will be able to turn out in Mumbai colours this year as he is still recovering from an elbow surgery.

“I am super excited to be joining the Mumbai Indians. It has been a franchise that was really close to my heart and I always wanted to play for them as long as I could have remembered watching IPL cricket,” he said in a video posted on the Instagram handle of Mumbai Indians.

“I am so glad that I have finally got the opportunity to represent such an amazing franchise. I am also going to get a chance to play with some of the biggest stars in the world. So I am really looking forward to starting a new chapter. See you guys soon.”

Despite the uncertainty over his availability this season, Archer entered the auction with a view to play in the 2023 and 2024 editions. Mumbai, the five-time IPL champions, were desperate to sign Archer as was evident in their fierce bidding for the 26-year-old.

Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani, explaining the rationale behind going all out for Archer, said: “... of course he (Archer) is not available this year but when he is fit and available, I believe that with (Jasprit Bumrah) he will make a formidable partnership.”

Former India pacer and Mumbai’s director of cricket operations Zaheer Khan said the prospect of witnessing Bumrah and Archer bowling in tandem will be worth the wait. “You are eagerly waiting for the partnership to go on the field and so am I,” he said.