3 reasons why RCB must target Jofra Archer in IPL 2025 mega auction
The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction for the 2025 season will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25. All 10 franchises have announced their retention lists. As many as 1,574 players have registered their names for the auction, but only a handful will get an opportunity to play in the prestigious T20 tournament.
One of the perennial underachievers in IPL history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), will be eager to lay their hands on the IPL trophy which has eluded them for the last 17 years.
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal have been retained by the three-time IPL finalists, which clearly suggests that the franchise want to almost build from scratch. Over the years, RCB have had one of the strongest batting units in the competition.
Despite the presence of Kohli, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle for several years, they are yet to win the coveted title. They have often been criticized for their lack of depth in the bowling department, which might tempt them to buy an express pacer who has the ability to control the game both with the new ball and the old.
English speedster Jofra Archer could add a different sort of dynamic to the RCB outfit, and the team owners and management might be eager to rope him in for the upcoming edition. Here's a look at three reasons why RCB should target Jofra Archer in the IPL 2025 mega auction:
#1 Jofra Archer brings the intimidation factor with his sheer pace and hostility
Not many bowlers in world cricket can intimidate batters in the current generation. Archer’s career has been marred by injuries but he is on the verge of regaining full fitness. He is currently playing for England in the ongoing white ball series against the West Indies.
His pace and ability to hurry batters can often take the pitch out of the equation. Traditionally, pitches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru have been a nightmare for the bowlers with short boundaries and flat wickets. Therefore, Archer’s pace and accuracy could make him a valuable pick for RCB.
#2 His ability to perform under pressure
Another attribute of Jofra Archer which might push RCB to buy him in the upcoming auction is his ability to perform under pressure. Over the years, we have seen the intimidating fast bowler excel for England in pressure situations. He brings different skill sets to the table and could be the X factor RCB are in search of.
Archer is someone who can consistently hit the deck as well as execute the yorker, a trait that has been a rarity for fast bowlers representing RCB in the past.
The 29-year-old bowled the famous Super Over in the 2019 World Cup final and just about did enough to secure a win for England. For a franchise like RCB who desperately want to break their title drought, the presence of Jofra Archer could make a significant difference.
#3 He can use the long handle if required
Not many associate Jofra Archer with his batting exploits. However, If he does get picked up by RCB, the Englishman could be used as a pinch hitter when the field restrictions are on, given his ability to hit the big shots.
Archer can also use the long handle lower down the order, as evidenced in an IPL match back in 2020. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, he smashed Chennai Super Kings bowler Lungi Ngidi for four sixes in the final over to take Rajasthan to a match-winning score.
RCB should therefore make Jofra Archer a priority purchase in the IPL 2025 mega auction as he has the ability to change their fortunes and help them win their first title.