The Rajasthan Royals assistant and fast bowling coach Shane Bond has admitted Jofra Archer had made a big difference with the new ball for them ahead of the IPL 2025 clash against Gujarat on Wednesday.
The pacer had a horrendous start to the season as he registered the most expensive figures in IPL history, leaking 76 runs from his four overs. However, he made a remarkable comeback since then, picking up four wickets in the last two games.
During the pre-match conference at Ahmedabad, Shane Bond mentioned how handing the new ball to Archers has made a big difference for them.
“What Jofra has gone about is just training with real focus and intensity. His training has been outstanding. And really what he’s done from the last couple of games is just transferred his training into the game.”
“He’s prepared well in terms of the plans off the field, trained really well, and then just gone out there and executed. And when he does, he’s one of the best in the world,” Bond said in the pre-match press conference,” added Shane Bond.
“We also recognise that giving him the new ball has made a big difference for us. We’ve put runs on the board and people have found it hard against him with the new ball that’s moving around with his pace and his bounce.”
“So, I think him leading our attack has given the rest of the bowling group a lot of confidence. I know he’s got a lot of confidence,” Shane Bond added.
After going wicketless in the first two games, Archer got himself amongst the wickets in the third fixture against Chennai Super Kings as he registered figures of 1/13 in three overs.
He further received the Player of the Match award for his 3/25 returns against Punjab Kings.
Rajasthan Royals are gearing up for a high intense clash against Gujarat Titans on April 09 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
