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Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) England pacer Jofra Archer scripted history at Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 22 during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Archer claimed three wickets and broke the record for most wickets for franchise including the now-defunct Champions League T20.
Previously, the record belonged to former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson. He represented the franchise from 2008 to 2015, claiming 67 wickets at an average of 27.83.
Archer also surpassed leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. The Indian spinner held the record for most wickets by a Royals bowler in the IPL. He had 66 scalps from three seasons.
After the 40-run win over LSG, Archer has 68 wickets from 54 games at an average of 23.69. He is yet to take a four-fer or fifer for them.
Archer’s early impact
Defending a total of 159, Archer struck in his second over. South Africa T20I captain Aiden Markram went for a big shot but the ball ballooned up in the air and was caught by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Markram fell for a six-ball duck.
Archer wraps up proceedings
The Barbados-born pacer bowled a wicket-maiden in the powerplay overs to Nicholas Pooran. In the 18th over, he returned to bowl. He mopped up the tail with the wickets of Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan. LSG were bowled out for 119 in 18 overs. In his quota of four overs, he conceded 20 runs and bagged three wickets.
Archer in purple cap race
Archer is in purple cap race as well alongside his teammate Ravi Bihsnoi. The pacer and leggie have 11 wickets each. From seven games, Archer has bagged 11 wickets at an average of 18.09. The 31-year-old's economy rate is just under eight runs per over.
Currently, LSG's Prince Yadav leads the purple cap race along with Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) Anshul Kamboj with 13 wickets each. They are followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) Eshan Malinga and Gujarat Titans' (GT) Prasidh Krishna who have 12 wickets each. However, Kamboj and Krishna have played six games each.
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