Rajasthan Royals’ head coach Kumar Sangakkara shed light behind the team’s surprise decision to promote pace spearhead Jofra Archer up the batting order during their 30-run win over Mumbai Indians in their do-or-die IPL 2026 match on Sunday.
Entering the crease at No. 7 with RR in a precarious position on 119/5, Jofra Archer went on to score a pivotal 15-ball 32 that included a four and three sixes.
His knock proved pivotal in guiding RR to a competitive total of 205/9, which eventually helped RR win the game and qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs. The Englishman’s breezy knock saw the Royals add 73 runs to the board in the final five overs.
After the match, head coach Kumar Sangakkara explained the thinking behind the team’s surprise decision to promote the pacer ahead of more proven batters like Shubham Dubey and Ravindra Jadeja/
"We know what Jofra can do with the bat. Wanted him to go out there and take a bit of risk. And then let Ferreira and Dubey handle the later overs when the bowlers were tired in the sun,” Sangakkara said. “Unfortunately, Donovan did get out but Jofra kicked on and then (Ravindra Jadeja) Jaddu coming in at the end with a bung elbow got us over the line."
"From where we were, looking at only 180, 206 was a fantastic effort. He has been like that in every single game (Archer being fired up). Very invested in the team, helping everyone. Has been our spearhead right from the start. Very proud of him," he added.
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After his exploits with the bat, Archer produced a fiery opening spell that saw him dismiss dangerman Rohit Sharma and Naman Dhir in the first three overs.
He then returned to the attack to take the important wicket of a well-set Hardik Pandya in the 16th over and derail MI’s chase as he capped off a stunning all-round performance that earned him the Player of the Match award.
While reflecting on his performance with both bat and ball against RR, Archer quipped that he always thought of himself as an all-rounder.
“I wasn't expecting to bat so early. Because of the Impact Sub I hardly get to bat. When the coach said put the pads on, I was surprised. I'm glad I was able to contribute. Well I class myself an all-rounder,” Archer smirked.
Incidentally, the 32 against MI is also Archer’s highest score with the bat, eclipsing his previous best of 30 from last season which also came against Mumbai.
Jofra Archer is RR’s top wicket-taker in IPL 2026 and the tournament’s third-highest, having taken 21 scalps in 14 games at an average of 21.71 and an economy of 8.76.
He will be seen in action next when the Royals take on in the IPL 2026 Eliminator at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Wednesday.
