IPL 2020: 5 players who could replace Jofra Archer

In a major blow to Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL, the team's premier fast bowler, Jofra Archer, has been ruled out of the tournament. The England and Wales Cricket Board released a statement about the unavailability of Archer in the upcoming season of the IPL. The 24-year-old pacer was sidelined for 3-4 months after the first Test against South Africa due to an elbow injury. The Royals' hopes that the speedster will play at least some part in the IPL were crashed after the latest development.

Archer shot to limelight after an incredible debut season for the Royals in 2018. His raw pace troubled the batsmen and he turned out to be his side's go-to bowler. He picked up 15 scalps in ten games in IPL 2018. He backed it up with another impressive performance last season, where he finished with 11 wickets in as many matches. It was the IPL performances that put Jofra Archer in the reckoning for a place in the England team and he has become a regular in all the formats for England ever since his international debut last year.

It is a big setback for the Royals considering the team's dependency on their overseas players and he will be missed badly by team Rajasthan. The Royals are yet to name Archer's replacement for the season and have quite a few options who can make up for his absence. Here are 5 players who could replace Jofra Archer:

#5 Mark Wood

Mark Wood

After representing Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2018, Mark Wood did not feature in IPL 2019. The Englishman went unsold at this year's auction as no franchise showed interest in him. However, with Jofra Archer out of the tournament, Wood can come in as a handy replacement. Just like Archer, Wood is a tearaway fast bowler who can trouble the batsmen with his pace and be a like-for-like replacement for the Englishman.

#4 Matt Henry

Matt Henry

The Kiwi pacer's career hasn't been able to take off properly because of his injury issues. However, he was simply outstanding at the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he picked up 14 wickets. Henry broke his right thumb in the Test series against Australia in January and has been out of action ever since. However, he is all set to make a comeback in the ODI series against Australia and will surely be under Rajasthan Royals' radar.

#3 Jhye Richardson

Jhye Richardson

Jhye Richardson is one of the most promising upcoming fast-bowlers of Australia, possessing the talent to really crank it up. In the 13 ODIs that the 23-year-old has played so far, he has picked up 24 wickets. He was also a part of Australia's 2019 World Cup squad but was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. However, Richardson is fully fit and is raring to go. He looked sharp in the Big Bash League and was also included in Australia's T20 squad for the series against South Africa. He can be a decent replacement for Archer.

#2 Daniel Sams

Daniel Sams

Daniel Sams had a breakthrough season in BBL 2019-20. The left-arm seamer was exceptional at the death, picking up wickets regularly. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in this year's edition of the Big Bash League, with 30 wickets in 17 games at a phenomenal average of 15.40. Sams is also a handy batsman who can make some useful contributions down the order. Rajasthan Royals have a history of picking up utility players and the franchise hasn't shied away from putting its weight behind lesser-known players. His good show in the Big Bash League, combined with Archer's absence, can earn him his maiden IPL contract.

#1 Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje

The then little-known Anrich Nortje was the talk of the town when he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders at the 2019 IPL auction, primarily because of his ability to bowl at great pace. Unfortunately, Nortje's dream to play in the IPL was cut short as he was ruled out of the tournament because of a shoulder injury. However, since returning from the injury, he has performed exceptionally well for the Proteas. Despite his good recent form, Nortje went unsold at the auction. But with Archer being ruled out, Rajasthan Royals might consider bringing in the in-form 26-year-old in the squad.