New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag opened up on the bold decision to send Jofra Archer to bat ahead of the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and
Shubham Dubey in their 30-run win against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2026 on Sunday, May 24. RR crushed MI to become the fourth and final team to qualify for the playoffs.
The equation was simple for RR as they needed to beat the Mumbai Indians to reach 16 points and qualify for the playoffs. They won emphatically against the five-time champions in their own backyard to grab the last spot in the top four, ensuring Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders got knocked out of the tournament. Archer turned out to be the hero for RR with the bat and the ball.
The England pacer delivered an impeccable performance with the ball, bagging a three-wicket haul and played a blistering cameo of 15-ball 32 with the bat to help RR finish strongly while batting first. Archer was sent to bat out at no.7 during RR’s innings ahead of the likes of Jadeja and Dubey, a decision that left many surprised.
However, he justified the bold call with his fiery cameo of 32 runs, which was laced with three sixes and a four. RR rode on crucial knocks from Yashasvi Jaiswal (27), Dhruv Jurel (38), Dasun Shanaka (32) and Acrher to post a strong total of 205 runs on the board after being asked to bat first in the game. Explaining the decision to send Archer ahead of Jadeja, RR skipper Parag said he wanted a basher in the middle to ensure runs flew in the death overs.
“We needed runs. It’s a wicket where you can’t have two players batting in the middle and going at a run a ball. Wanted one guy to take the initiative, take the risk,” said Parag when asked about the move during the post-match presentation ceremony in Mumbai.
It was not a gamble: Parag
Parag refused to label the move a gamble and said it was all about being brave. The RR skipper has done well in the IPL 2026 so far as a captain, helping RR reach the playoffs after facing intense criticism for his leadership during Sanju Samson’s absence last season. Parag was appointed as RR’s full time skipper ahead of IPL 2026 after Samson joined CSK in a trade move.
“And the other guy could stay a little bit longer. And Jadeja is as reliable as always. I knew back-end he would get us at least 20 off 10, which he did. Have taken a lot of brave calls actually this season. That’s how I like to lead. That’s how I lead Assam as well. You got to take your chances, it’s not a gamble,” Parag added.
Rajasthan Royals will aim to reach their first final since 2022, having made it to the playoffs in IPL 2026. The Parag-led side will take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator on Wednesday, May 27. The winner of the Eliminator will face the loser of the 1st Qualifer between RCB and Gujarat Titans for a spot in the final of IPL 2026.
