It was a rough outing for Jofra Archer on Sunday as he recorded the most expensive bowling figures in the history of the Indian Premier League.
The England paceman found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons during a match between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad.
A Challenging Game for Archer
Archer started the game with some promise, but things quickly unraveled.
In his opening over, he conceded 23 runs, with Australia’s Travis Head leading the charge.
However, it was Ishan Kishan’s top-edged pull shot and his next six that completely changed Archer’s mood.
By the end of his spell, Archer’s figures read 4–0–76–0, making it the most costly bowling performance in IPL history.
The conditions were tough—flat pitch, short boundaries, and aggressive batting—but it still marked a sobering moment in Archer’s career.
Archer’s previous IPL performances had been much better, especially when he last played for Rajasthan Royals in 2020.
Back then, he finished with tidy figures of 4–0–19–1 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Expectations were high when Rajasthan paid over £1 million for his services during the IPL mega-auction in November, but this was not the performance anyone anticipated.
A Career That Has Seen Highs and Lows
Jofra Archer burst onto the scene in 2019, playing a key role in England’s World Cup victory.
His fast bowling, including a memorable duel with Steve Smith in the Ashes, catapulted him into the spotlight.
But since then, his career has been marked by both remarkable moments and frustrating setbacks.
Earlier this year, Archer’s struggles continued with a couple of disastrous T20 performances in India, where he went for 60 and 55 runs in separate matches.
He also endured a costly ODI performance in the Champions Trophy, where he conceded 82 runs against Australia.
While Archer can still produce magical moments, such as his three-wicket spell against Afghanistan, consistency has eluded him.
The Ongoing Battle with Injuries
Archer’s body has been a major issue since the winter of 2019-2020, with his right elbow causing him frequent trouble.
His lack of Test appearances since February 2021 highlights just how much this injury has impacted his career.
And with the Ashes looming this winter, many are beginning to question whether he can regain his peak form.
A recent analysis of Archer’s bowling action during the Champions Trophy raised concerns.
Comparing his pre- and post-surgery action, commentators noted a noticeable difference in his technique.
Before his back surgery in 2022, Archer’s action was more upright and side-on, producing a cleaner seam presentation and a more natural rhythm.
Since his surgery, his wrist has shifted slightly, causing him to lose some of the away movement that made him so effective.
This change, though subtle, has made him more predictable, and even the fastest bowlers can’t afford to be predictable.
Archer’s Pace Remains Consistent
Despite these concerns, Archer’s pace has remained impressively consistent.
He averaged 85.7mph during the 2019 World Cup and 85mph during the Champions Trophy.
This year, during a couple of white-ball series in India, he even clocked his fastest tournament average at 87.6mph.
However, this speed has not always been enough, as batsmen, particularly in India, have been able to feast on his pace, with even mishits flying for six.
England’s Plan for Archer and the Road Ahead
The England team sees potential in Archer’s ability to bowl into the right-handers, a technique that fits the modern white-ball game’s philosophy.
They believe that returning to the red ball format could help Archer regain some of his lost edge, something he hasn’t done since playing for Sussex in 2021, just before his elbow surgery.
But there’s another layer to Archer’s struggles: his confidence.
Last summer, he admitted during the T20 World Cup that his long injury layoff had made him feel like “a burden.”
He has often shied away from the limelight and is sensitive about discussions regarding his fitness.
As Archer approaches his 30th birthday next week, questions loom over his future.
Fast bowlers typically hit their peak at this age, but with so many uncertainties surrounding his form and fitness, 2025 could be a defining year for him—one full of more questions than answers.