Gujarat Titans (GT) will lock horns against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Qualifier 2 clash on Friday, May 27 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. GT batters would look to tackle RR's star pacer Jofra Archer, as he is coming after some incredible spells in the past couple of games.
Ambati Rayudu reflects on Jofra Archer's threat
However, Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has a different opinion on Jofra Archer's form. The former MI star believes that Jofra Archer won't be very effective against GT, noting several reasons.
In an interaction with ESPNcricinfo, former CSK batter claimed that Shubman Gill will have an easy time while facing RR's Jofra Archer, as the venue does not offer much seam movement to the pacers. Ambati noted Gill's ability to tackle short pitch deliveries, which would be a key against Jofra.
"I think Gill will find it slightly easier because it is May; ball's not swinging much. And, even on this track, we have not seen much seam movement. It's only going to be Archer's short deliveries or good pace and bounce, which Gill is actually good against," said Ambati Rayudu.
While talking further, Rayudu claimed that Archer won't pose a big threat to Shubman Gill, urging the GT batters to play with proper game sense so that they can go all guns blazing in the final 10 overs, as RR don't have a lethal bowling line-up.
"I don't see Archer as a huge threat to Gill, but definitely they need to see Archer out and be a little sensible so that they can capitalize in the last 10. RR don't have great bowling for the middle overs as well as the death overs," added Ambati Rayudu.
Jofra Archer's sensational form in IPL 2026
The star RR pacer has enjoyed a stunning individual campaign in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, taking 24 wickets in just 15 matches at an economy rate of 9.18 and a bowling average of 21.42. He registered his best bowling figures of 3/17 against Mumbai Indians (MI).