"If Jofra Archer doesn't evolves"- England pacer threatened over Rajasthan Royals' spot

Former England cricketer Nick Knight has opened up about Rajasthan Royals (RR) fast bowler Jofra Archer's struggles with the ball in the IPL 2025 season. Nick Knight said that Jofra Archer needs to develop variations to outfox batters in the T20 format, adding that he can't rely solely on pace and bounce.

Archer has endured a tough start to the 2025 season. The pacer has been expensive with the ball, conceding over 100 runs in less than seven overs. Archer registered the most expensive bowling figures in IPL history, giving away 76 runs without taking a wicket during a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

That's Going to Be a Big Thing for Jofra Archer - Nick Knight

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Nick Knight said that Jofra Archer must improve his bowling variations. Knight emphasized that the next few weeks in the IPL will be a crucial learning phase for Archer.

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"You have to evolve, don't you, as a player? What's the next layer look like for Jofra? If you're not necessarily going to get all that pace and bounce, where are you going? Variation, so you're outthinking batters—I think that's the next thing for Jofra," Knight said on ESPNCricinfo.

"I think the next month or six weeks in the IPL is going to be a huge learning curve for him. Just backing up games, getting more consistency, gaining more belief in the body, and working out what the next layer looks like—I think that's going to be a big thing for him," he added.

Do you have variations? Are you out-thinking batters?

Nick Knight thinks Jofra Archer needs to evolve 🗣️ #TimeOut pic.twitter.com/dDxs8fUMBw

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 27, 2025

He's Been Out of the Game for a Long Time - Nick Knight

Nick Knight recalled Jofra Archer’s struggles with injuries and extended absence from competitive cricket. Knight said that the pacer is now playing regularly and gradually regaining confidence in his body. He also noted that Archer looks physically strong, which is a positive sign.

"I mean, what we've all got to remember here is he's had multiple injuries; he's been out of the game for a long time. I'm really pleased that he's backing up games, that he's playing consistently, that he's able to play consistently, that he's probably having a little bit more faith in his body now, and that he can keep bowling. He looks strong."

Jofra Archer to Be Next Seen in Action Against Chennai Super Kings

Rajasthan Royals suffered an eight-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2025 clash at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on March 26. The KKR team restricted RR to 151/9, with Varun Chakaravarthy recording bowling figures of 2/17. Three other bowlers also picked up two wickets each.

In response, Quinton de Kock guided Kolkata to a comfortable chase with an unbeaten 97 off 61 balls, including eight fours and six sixes. De Kock took control of the innings after Moeen Ali was run out for five off 12 deliveries. Angkrish Raghuvanshi provided support with an unbeaten 22 off 17 balls.

Rajasthan Royals will face Chennai Super Kings in their next match on March 30. All eyes will be on Jofra Archer to see if he can deliver an improved performance after his recent struggles with the ball.

Also read: Rohit Sharma's India captaincy under dark clouds despite Champions Trophy campaign