Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu opened up about whether Rajasthan Royals (RR) should make changes in their XI for their next IPL 2025 match. Rayudu said that the Rajasthan Royals should consider including Wanindu Hasaranga in place of Jofra Archer, who had a disappointing outing in their last match.

The Royals will face defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their second match in Guwahati on March 26. RR will look to bounce back after a 44-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening game. Riyan Parag will continue to lead the team in the absence of regular captain Sanju Samson.

Jofra Archer Created an Unwanted Record in IPL History

Jofra Archer was purchased by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹12.50 crore at the mega auction. He had a disastrous outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Archer conceded 76 runs in four overs without taking a wicket. The pacer achieved an unwanted record for the most runs conceded by a bowler in IPL history.

Archer surpassed Mohit Sharma’s 73-run tally from the last season. He conceded 14 boundaries in his spell. His previous record for the most expensive spell in IPL was 56 runs during the match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2023 season. He had played for the Mumbai Indians team.

They Would Have to Bring Wanindu Hasaranga into the XI – Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu said that the Rajasthan Royals might need to include Wanindu Hasaranga in their playing XI. Rayudu expressed doubt about Jofra Archer’s performance due to a lack of confidence and repetitive bowling patterns. He said that Archer hasn’t varied his line or length, nor tried different angles.

“They would have to bring him (Wanindu Hasaranga) into the XI just because they need to have a lot more slow bowlers. Because we have seen Archer for quite some time, everybody is now hoping that he will do well,” Ambati Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo.

“But, you know, they are not sure if he would come good, because it’s also a lack of confidence. And it is his repetitive bowling, I feel the repetitive nature of his bowling. He is not trying to, you know, go wide of the crease or not trying to, you know, bowl different lengths.”

Jofra Archer Is Not Good Enough at the Moment – Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu said that the Rajasthan Royals should focus on their strength, which is spin bowling. Rayudu also emphasized that Jofra Archer needs to take a break and work on his bowling, as he is currently not performing well enough.

“So, I feel they would have to go to their strengths, that is, slow bowling, right now. So, where the coach is at for us, if you are bringing Hasaranga in, which of those three overseas bowlers goes out? I think Archer needs to, you know, really rest and work on his bowling, because he is not good enough at the moment.”

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