Star pacer Jofra Archer made a return to the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 after being acquired for a massive INR 12.50 crore. The English speedster reunited with the franchise where his IPL career began. After recovering from multiple injuries, Archer made his much-awaited comeback last year and has since even returned to international arena and impressed everyone.
However, regular fitness issues have once again disrupted his rhythm, with a thumb injury ruling him out of RR’s 2025 campaign midway.
Given his recurring injury concerns and hefty price tag, the Rajasthan Royals could consider releasing Archer ahead of the next auction to free up significant funds for squad rebuilding. Archer’s impact with RR includes 46 wickets from 35 matches, but long-term reliability remains a concern.
Releasing the England international could allow RR to target fresh overseas pace options and balance their team better for IPL 2026.
Here are 3 potential replacements RR must look at for Jofra Archer ahead of IPL 2026 auctions
3. Sikandar Raza
Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza has been one of the most consistent performers for his country across formats. Raza made his international debut for Zimbabwe in 2013 and has since scored over 4,400 ODI runs and 94 wickets in 153 matches, along with 2,600-plus T20I runs and 96 wickets. Raza is currently among the world’s leading all-rounders. The Pakistan-born has played over 300 T20 matches, scoring over 6,300 runs and taking 200 wickets. He has been part of global leagues such as the PSL, ILT20, and MLC.
In the IPL 2023 and 2024, Raza represented Punjab Kings, scoring 182 runs and three wickets in nine games, including a match-winning 57 against Lucknow Super Giants. Moreover, his stellar form has recently made him the No. 1-ranked all-rounder in One-Day Internationals. The all-rounder's inclusion could add to the Rajasthan Royals’ middle order and add a reliable spin option in Indian conditions.
2. Roston Chase
West Indies all-rounder and Test captain Roston Chase is a dependable off-spinner and lower-order batter. Having played 54 Tests, he has scored 2,444 runs with five centuries and taken 91 wickets, including a career-best 8/60. Recently, Chase captained the West Indies Test team during their 2025 tour of India, where his team lost the series 2-0, but his calmness on the field was a notable positive.
In the T20s, Chase has featured in over 130 T20 games, scoring 2,289 runs and taking 89 wickets, with a strong record in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he played an important role in St Lucia Kings’ 2024 title win. His ability to bowl economically and bat responsibly in the middle overs makes him a good foreign option. The inaugural IPL champions could look towards Chase as a decent backup option, or they can also bring him in as an impact player.
1. Mark Wood
Mark Wood could be an ideal replacement for his England teammate Jofra Archer in the Rajasthan Royals setup. Known for his express pace, Wood consistently clocks speeds above 150 kmph and can rattle even the best batters. In his IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants, Wood made a stunning impact in 2023 by picking up 11 wickets in just five matches at an average of 16.27 and a strike rate of 10.9, including a 5/14 against Delhi Capitals.
Internationally, the 35-year-old has 119 Test, 80 ODI, and 54 T20I wickets in his decade-long career. His aggressive approach and wicket-taking ability can make him a threat with both the new ball and at the death. However, like Archer, Wood’s career has been affected by frequent injuries, which could be a concern.
