The IPL rumor mill is in overdrive with stunning reports that Mumbai Indians (MI) are planning a record-breaking bid to bring Jofra Archer back into their squad for IPL 2026, a move that could make him the most expensive overseas signing in league history!
According to franchise insiders, Mumbai’s think tank has already set aside a massive budget of up to ₹25 crore specifically for Archer, determined to reunite with the English speedster after his injury-hit first stint with the team in 2023. Sources suggest MI’s management believes a fully fit Archer could transform their bowling attack into the most lethal unit in the IPL, pairing him with Jasprit Bumrah for a fearsome death-overs duo.
A senior official close to MI’s auction strategy revealed:
“The franchise never lost faith in Archer. His fitness reports are promising, and Mumbai wants to make a statement by bringing him back, no matter the cost.”
Archer, who hasn’t played competitive IPL cricket since recurring elbow injuries sidelined him in 2023 and 2024, has reportedly been bowling pain-free in England’s domestic circuits and hopes to make a T20I comeback by the end of 2025. His return could be perfectly timed for the IPL 2026 auction, setting the stage for a bidding war.
Social media exploded at the rumor, with hashtags like #ArcherToMI, #MI2026, and #IPLRecordBid trending worldwide. MI fans are already dreaming of Bumrah and Archer terrorizing batters together again, while rival teams’ supporters fear the potential bowling carnage.
Experts are split on the move, with some pointing to Archer’s fitness concerns. Former England captain Michael Vaughan commented on a cricket podcast:
“If Archer’s elbow holds up, he’s a match-winner. But ₹25 crore for a player with his injury history is a huge gamble.”
Meanwhile, analysts predict Archer’s auction price could smash the overseas player record set by Sam Curran’s ₹18.5 crore deal with Punjab Kings in IPL 2023, especially if multiple franchises join the bidding frenzy.
As Mumbai Indians look to rebuild for the post-Rohit Sharma era, one thing is clear: bringing Archer back could redefine MI’s bowling attack and IPL 2026 itself.
Will MI break the bank to land Jofra Archer and give fans the bowling dream team of Bumrah and Archer? Or will other franchises swoop in to hijack the comeback of the decade?