Rajasthan Royals bowler Jofra Archer in action during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
Jofra Archer’s quiver must be full of self-conviction. After a terrible start to IPL 2025, the Rajasthan Royals speedster has bounced back with two clutch performances.
The pacer’s spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad (4-0-76-0) was the costliest in the tournament’s history, and the next outing against Kolkata Knight Riders, too, was underwhelming (2.3-0-33-0).
Archer flipped the narrative against Chennai Super Kings (3-1-13-1) and Punjab Kings (4-0-25-3).
Even though his wicket-maiden first over against CSK was impressive, what took the cake was how he rattled Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer’s stumps to derail PBKS’ 206-run chase early.
And he banked on his biggest strength — bowl fast and make the batters look clueless — when the going got tough.
While Priyansh had no answer for a 144.6kph-delivery that seamed off the pitch to hit the top of off-stump, Shreyas played all over a 148.6kph-thunderbolt.
“The beginning of the tournament did happen… you have to cash in on days like these and take the bad ones in your stride,” Archer said on Saturday.
The RR dressing room, too, was sure that it was just a matter of time before Archer found his mojo again.
“We all know Jofra is a world-class bowler. The skill he brings to the table is totally different. The management knew that the day he got that one wicket, his confidence would be high. After that, obviously, he is one of the toughest bowlers to face. I am sure, with more games, he is going to get better and better,” Sandeep Sharma said after RR’s 50-run win at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium.
“You go back and see what you have been doing differently [when you go for runs]. That is what he did. That is what champion players do. Whatever is needed, they do it quickly,” Sandeep added.
Published – April 06, 2025 12:56 pm IST
