IPL 2020: Andrew McDonald Laments On The Lack Of Support For Jofra Archer From Other Rajasthan Royals Pacers

Rajasthan Royals (RR) coach Andrew McDonald believes that the lack of major contributions from pacers other than Jofra Archer — is one of the key reasons for them not qualifying for the playoffs.

Rajasthan Royals are officially ousted from the IPL 2020 playoff race as they lost their last league game, a must-win encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday. From looking to reach the top-four, RR slumped to a 60-run defeat and finished the season with the wooden spoon in the IPL 2020. 

We probably had too few contributors around him: Andrew McDonald

Andrew McDonald after the game heaped praises for Jofra Archer. He said that Archer’s economy of 6.55 is one of the best amongst fast bowlers, and his ability to take wickets in the powerplay is incredible. The coach also emphasized on Archer’s importance in the field and with the bat. He said that it is a scary thing for batters that the English pacer will still get even better.

In the post-match press conference, Andrew McDonald said, “Jofra clearly was outstanding. His economy rates, probably one of the best for a fast bowler. His ability to take wickets upfront, putting his stamp on the game in the first over is incredible.”

“And also in the field and with the bat earlier in the tournament when he had some opportunities he showed what he can do there. He just showed his all-round game. He just keeps getting better, it is a scary thing how good he might be in time,” he added.

However, he also said that they had too few contributors around Archer and feels that the team could have done better if other pacers had given more support to their strike bowler. Archer alone took 20 wickets in the season. In comparison, rest of the pacers combined took 21 wickets The Aussie praised Kartik Tyagi’s maturity in nervy moments and said that the youngster would only improve from hereon.

“We probably had too few contributors around him. Kartik Tyagi was a great find, a young under-19 bowler, we weren’t sure if he could take that big leap but he showed us he could, he held his nerve in critical moments and bowled some good death overs. He is only going to get better,” Andrew McDonald said.

Also Read: Ruturaj Gaikwad Reminds Me Of A Young Virat Kohli: Faf du Plessis