Jofra Archer produced a match-winning spell against the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 on Saturday but fellow Rajasthan Royals pacer Sandeep Sharma believes that the Englishman is only warming up and is capable of far more lethal spells.
Archer’s Player of the Match-winning 3/25 played a pivotal role in the Royals' 50-run win in Chandigarh - their second straight victory after a shaky start to the season.
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Archer, who had to endure tough outings against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this season, has been instrumental in the Royals’ recent upturn in form, following up his economical 1/13 against CSK with Saturday’s performance.
His spell against PBKS included the wicket of Priyansh Arya off the first ball and Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer later in the same over. He sealed the night by removing Arshdeep Singh in the final over to register his 50th IPL wicket for Rajasthan Royals.
“We always knew Jofra is a world-class bowler. The skill he brings to the table and into the game - very few can match that, The entire management and team had confidence in him,” Sandeep Sharma said at the post-match press conference.
“We believed that once he gets that one over, that one wicket, maybe two good overs, it would boost his confidence and now, you've seen what he can do. He's one of the toughest bowlers to face. This was just our fourth game, and with more matches, he'll only get better and better,” Sandeep added.
Archer’s return to form comes at a crucial time for the Royals, who now look to build on the momentum gathered on the back of the two straight wins.
“This win was very important for us. Credit goes to our batters who gave us an above-par 200+ score to defend on a tricky pitch. Every bowler, especially Archer, did really well. Archer gave us a dream start with two wickets in the first over,” Sandeep noted.
Sandeep Sharma, who finished with figures of 2/21 along with Maheesh Theekshana (2/26) complimented Archer’s match-winning spell with wickets at crucial junctures in the match.
“That is a very deadly combo - one guy bowling around 150 and another bowling around 115 (130),” captain Sanju Samson had said during the post-match ceremony. “I can trust them with pressure overs.
“We all love it when (Archer) bowls those quick overs,” Samson continued. “Sandy has been doing it for me for the past few overs. He is one of the best guys (in the powerplay and at the death) in India.”
