Giving new ball to Jofra Archer has made a big difference for us: RR bowling coach Shane Bond

Jofra Archer didn't have a great start in his second stint with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. However, he has bounced back commendably in the last couple of games.

The England seamer was roped in by the Royals for INR 12.50 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction. He reunited with the franchise after five years. However, Archer finished with figures of 0/76 in four overs in Rajasthan's first match of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Uppal. This turned out to be the worst bowling figures in the league's history. In the second game against Kolkata Knight Riders, Archer conceded 33 runs in 2.3 overs without picking up a wicket. The Royals lost both games.

Rajasthan, however, backed their ace speedster, and the move has paid dividends in the last couple of games. Archer finished with figures of 1/13 from three overs and 3/25 from four overs against Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings, respectively. His excellent bowling performances helped Sanju Samson and Co. win back-to-back matches.

Bond praises Archer’s impact with new ball

Ahead of an away clash against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday, April 9, RR bowling coach Shane Bond said that Archer worked really hard in training, and that has helped him rediscover his form in the last two games. The former New Zealand pacer also said that giving the new ball to Archer has benefited the Royals.

“What Jofra has gone about is just training with real focus and intensity. His training has been outstanding. And really what he's done from the last couple of games is just transferred his training into the game. He's prepared well in terms of the plans off the field, trained really well, and then just gone out there and executed. And when he does, he's one of the best in the world,” Bond said in the pre-match press conference.

“We also recognise that giving him the new ball has made a big difference for us. We've put runs on the board and people have found it hard against him with the new ball that's moving around with his pace and his bounce. So, I think him leading our attack has given the rest of the bowling group a lot of confidence. I know he's got a lot of confidence,” he added.