Some big names in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are synonymous with adding value to the franchise. But oddly, in the IPL 2023 season, the likes of English fast bowler Jofra Archer for Mumbai Indians (MI) and West Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) haven’t lived up to the hype.
Archer, making a return to the Mumbai Indians set up, was set up to fill in the big boots of his injured fast-bowling compatriot Jasprit Bumrah. But he failed to live up to the expectations. The expectations were higher from the injury-plagued England fast bowler as he made a return to competitive cricket after 541 days for MI Cape Town in the SA20, scalping 10 wickets in six matches. However, even though he has hit the 150kmph mark on the speed gun consistently in the IPL 2023, Archer has managed only two wickets in his last four matches for the record IPL champions. In fact, he went wicketless in the match against Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Similarly, one of the longest-serving members of the KKR franchise, Narine, has turned out to be nothing short of a disappointment for the franchise this season. He has served the Kolkata-based franchise since 2012, making him one of the few players in the lucrative tournament to play for only one side. He has delivered for the franchise over the years, despite his suspect bowling action coming to the fore in recent years. This season, he has featured in every game for KKR, picking up only seven wickets in 10 matches. In fact, his role as a floater batter has also been ineffective in the ongoing season. The left-handed batter has managed only 14 runs from seven matches.
Comparatively, Archer fetches INR. 8,00,00,000 from Mumbai Indians every season, while Narine has a retention fee of INR. 6,00,00,000. The per-match fee for the England fast bowler is INR. 57,14,285, while that of the mystery spinner in INR. 42,85,714. Even though Archer makes INR. 14,28,571 more than Narine every match; he still has to prove his consistency for the franchise. The value of each wicket scalped by Archer in the four matches is INR. 1,24,28,570, while that of Narine is INR. 6,122,448.
The KKR management has maintained Narine as a core member of the franchise. Even though the franchise boasts of experienced overseas players like Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, Narine’s spot doesn’t look in danger in an underwhelming season for the franchise.
Mumbai Indians will next take on Chennai Super Kings on Saturday. Narine will be next seen in action in Kolkata Knight Riders’ next match against Punjab Kings on May 8.
