England fast bowler Jofra Archer turned his IPL 2025 campaign around in spectacular fashion, helping Rajasthan Royals secure a dominant 50-run win over Punjab Kings on Saturday in New Chandigarh.
Just weeks ago, Archer faced heavy criticism after delivering the most expensive spell in IPL history — conceding 76 runs without a wicket in Rajasthan’s season-opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He followed that with another disappointing outing against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he went wicketless again with an economy rate over 13.
Trust and Redemption
Despite the poor start, Rajasthan Royals’ management stood by Archer, trusting his international experience and potential to bounce back. That faith paid off. Archer played a pivotal role in the Royals’ narrow six-run win over Chennai Super Kings, before delivering a match-winning performance against Punjab Kings.
Archer claimed 3 wickets for just 25 runs, including two crucial wickets in the very first over. He dismissed Priyansh Arya with his first ball and sent Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer back before the over ended, immediately putting Rajasthan on the front foot.
Jofra Archer: Player of the Match
Archer was rightly named Player of the Match. Speaking after the game, he said, “When there are days like this you’ve got to make sure you cash in… enjoy the good ones, take the bad ones in your stride.”
Fellow pacer Sandeep Sharma praised Archer’s resilience, saying, “We always knew Jofra is a world-class bowler. The impact he brings is special — few can do that.” He added that the team always believed that just one good over or wicket would bring Archer back into form.
A Lethal Bowling Duo
With Archer back to his best and Sandeep Sharma bowling consistently, Rajasthan now boasts a dangerous pace attack. Skipper Sanju Samson highlighted the importance of the Archer-Sandeep combo, calling them a “deadly pair.”
“One bowls at 150 km/h, the other at 115. I can rely on them in pressure situations. We all love it when Archer bowls those fiery overs,” Samson said.
As Rajasthan climbs the IPL standings, Archer’s redemption story could be the turning point of their season.
