Rajasthan Royals (RR) had high expectations from Jofra Archer after securing him in the IPL 2025 mega auction, but their hopes quickly turned into regret as the English pacer endured a nightmare debut in the team’s season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Archer was expected to lead Rajasthan’s pace attack with his express deliveries, but instead, he was hammered all over the park. He ended with figures of 4-0-76-1, registering the most expensive bowling spell in IPL history.
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Jofra Archer Enters Unwanted IPL Record Books
SRH’s explosive batting lineup, featuring Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan, completely dominated Archer, who leaked runs at an economy of 19 per over.
By conceding 76 runs in 4 overs, Archer surpassed Mohit Sharma’s previous record of 73 runs in 4 overs, which came against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023.
Most Expensive Bowling Spells in IPL History
| Bowler | Runs Conceded | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jofra Archer | 76 | SRH | 2025 |
| Mohit Sharma | 73 | DC | 2023 |
| Basil Thampi | 70 | RCB | 2018 |
| Yash Dayal | 69 | KKR | 2023 |
| Reece Topley | 68 | SRH | 2024 |
SRH Batters Make a Mockery of RR Bowling Attack
On a flat batting paradise, SRH capitalized on the conditions, with Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head launching an early assault, adding 45 runs in the first 19 balls.
🔹 Travis Head smashed a fiery half-century before falling.
🔹 Ishan Kishan took charge, delivering a blistering 106 off 47 balls, remaining unbeaten as SRH posted a record-breaking 286/6 in 20 overs.
A Nightmare Homecoming for Archer
This match was supposed to mark a grand return for Jofra Archer to the Rajasthan Royals franchise, having previously played for them. However, his comeback turned into a disaster as he struggled with both line and length, getting punished by every SRH batter.
While Archer’s form remains a concern, RR will be hoping for a quick turnaround from their premier pacer as the tournament progresses.
