Jofra Archer has had his fair share of highs and lows in cricket, but Sunday’s IPL match in Hyderabad was a moment he’d rather forget.
The English pacer found himself on the wrong side of history, conceding the most expensive bowling figures ever recorded in the tournament’s 18-year history.
His troubles began early when Australia’s Travis Head went after him, racking up 23 runs in his very first over. Things only got worse from there.
By the end of his spell, Archer had bowled four overs, given away 76 runs, and failed to take a single wicket.
The small boundaries, a flat pitch, and ruthless batting from the opposition turned it into a brutal experience.
Even fellow fast bowler Pat Cummins, another world-class talent, ended up conceding 60 runs in the same match, showing just how punishing the conditions were.
A Stark Contrast to the Past
This disastrous performance was a far cry from the Archer that IPL fans once knew.
The last time he played for the Rajasthan Royals in 2020, he finished with an economical 4–0–19–1 against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Until this weekend, in 35 previous IPL games, he had never gone for more than 47 runs in a match.
That’s why Rajasthan invested over £1 million in him during last November’s mega-auction, expecting the Archer of old, not the struggling bowler seen on Sunday.
From Stardom to Struggles
It has been nearly six years since Archer burst onto the international scene, helping England secure their dramatic World Cup victory in 2019.
His electrifying pace, touching 98mph in the Ashes that same year, made him one of the most feared bowlers in the world.
But while 2019 was a year of triumphs, the years that followed have been riddled with setbacks.
His recent performances have been uncharacteristically expensive.
Earlier this year in India, he recorded two of his costliest spells in T20 internationals—conceding 60 runs in Chennai and 55 in Mumbai.
In the Champions Trophy, he leaked 82 runs against Australia, marking his worst figures in ODIs.
What’s Gone Wrong?
On his day, Archer can still be a game-changer. His early spell against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy was a reminder of what he’s capable of.
But his consistency has taken a hit since the grueling New Zealand Test in 2019, where he bowled 42 overs in a single innings.
Since then, his body, especially his right elbow, has repeatedly let him down. As a result, he hasn’t played a Test since February 2021.
During last month’s Champions Trophy, TV analysts scrutinized his bowling action, comparing his pre- and post-injury techniques.
The difference was subtle but significant. Before surgery, his wrist position was perfect, his seam presentation impeccable, and his motion fluid.
Now, slight adjustments in his action—meant to prevent further injuries—have made him more predictable.
Even the best fast bowlers can’t afford to be predictable.
Can Archer Regain His Best Form?
Interestingly, despite these challenges, his pace hasn’t dropped much.
During the 2019 World Cup, he averaged 85.7mph.
In the Champions Trophy, he was at 85mph. In fact, his fastest recorded average speed—87.6mph—came earlier this year in India.
But in today’s power-hitting era, raw speed alone isn’t enough. Batters, especially in the IPL, are feeding off it.
England still believes Archer can regain his sharpness.
They think he might benefit from returning to red-ball cricket, something he hasn’t done since May 2021.
However, for Archer, it’s not just about technical adjustments—it’s also about confidence.
Last year, he admitted that his long injury layoff had made him feel like “a burden.”
He’s never been one to seek attention and is particularly sensitive about discussions regarding his fitness.
A Defining Year Ahead
As Archer approaches his 30th birthday, a time when many fast bowlers hit their peak, his career finds itself at a crossroads.
Can he rediscover the rhythm that made him one of the most feared pacers in the game? Or will injuries and inconsistency continue to derail his once-promising trajectory?
The year ahead will be crucial in determining whether Jofra Archer can turn things around—or if his best days are already behind him.