IPL 2025, PBKS vs RR: Jofra Archer breathes fire again in IPL 2025, reveals simple success mantra
Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Jofra Archer emphasised the importance of staying grounded, even on successful days, in the high-octane world of T20 cricket where the balance increasingly tilts in favour of the batters. Archer was named Player of the Match for his match-winning figures of 3 for 25 against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur during their IPL 2025 clash on Saturday, April 05. PBKS vs RR: Scorecard | Highlights
Archer had a torrid start to his IPL 2025 campaign. Returning to the league after a year-long break to recover from persistent injury troubles, he was taken apart by SunRisers Hyderabad, conceding 76 runs in Rajasthan’s opener – the most expensive spell in IPL history. The performance cast serious doubt over his ability to make a successful comeback.
Following a challenging Champions Trophy campaign, expectations were low for the England pacer heading into this IPL season. However, Archer has begun to silence his critics.
On Saturday, he produced a spell reminiscent of his vintage best, charging in with pace and purpose in Rajasthan’s defence of 205. Archer got things going early by uprooting the stumps of young opener Priyansh Arya with a peach of a delivery. Moments later, he sent back the in-form Shreyas Iyer, striking twice in the opening over of the chase.
Punjab Kings never truly recovered from those early blows. Despite a resilient partnership between Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell, the home side limped to 155 for 9 in their 20 overs.
“It’s the start of the tournament – games like that [the first match] can happen. Most importantly, I’m happy to contribute to the team. When days like this come, you’ve got to make sure you cash in. Enjoy the good ones, take the bad ones,” Archer reflected after the match.
He finished with figures of 3 for 25, adding Arshdeep Singh to his tally of victims. Explaining his approach, Archer added: “You’ve got to understand that you’ll get lucky in some situations, and in others, the batters might – because everyone is working just as hard. Every day won’t be a great day, but on the good days, you have to enjoy them because the bad one could be just around the corner.”
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ARCHER TOUCHES 150 KPH
Archer consistently bowled in excess of 140 kph throughout the match, touching 151 kph in his first spell – the fastest delivery of the season so far.
Signs of a return to form were visible in Rajasthan’s home match in Guwahati against Chennai Super Kings last Sunday. He dismissed Rachin Ravindra in the first over and conceded just 13 runs in his three-over spell.
Skipper Sanju Samson encapsulated Archer’s impact perfectly: “We all love it when he bowls those quick overs,” he said.
Earlier in the day, a fluent 67 off 45 balls from Yashasvi Jaiswal and a brisk cameo from Samson on his return to captaincy gave Rajasthan a solid foundation. Riyan Parag then smashed 43 off 25 balls, accelerating after a slow start to help Rajasthan become the first team to post 200 in Mullanpur this season.
With two wins from four matches, Rajasthan Royals will now aim to build winning momentum when they take on Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday, April 09.
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