England’s tearaway pacer Jofra Archer has faced criticism over opting to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 over the first Test of the series against New Zealand which commences on June 4. Rajasthan Royals (RR) assistant coach Trevor Penney has responded to criticism over Archer choosing club over country. The former Zimbabwe cricketer feels that Archer can’t satisfy everyone as there will be criticism if he stays at RR for rest of the IPL or he goes back to England to gear up and play at the Lord’s.
“It doesn't matter to him. If you stay back here, you annoy people in England, and if you go back, you are in danger of never playing in the IPL. So, be it,” Penney said in the pre-game press conference.
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Archer has been RR’s leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2026. He has 18 wickets from 13 games at an average of 24.38. His economy rate is 9.14 runs per over.
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RR’s qualification scenario
Currently, RR are alive in the playoffs race. The equation for them is simple, beat Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, and book the fourth playoffs spot. If they lose to RR, they will be dependent on the result of the game between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Meanwhile, if Punjab Kings (PBKS) beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and RR lose, the Riyan Parag-led side will be out of the tournament.
England’s WTC campaign resumes
Former England captains Michael Vaughan and Michael Atherton in addition to Mark Butcher had expressed their frustration over Archer missing the first Test of the series against the Kiwi side as England resume their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign.
England are currently placed seventh in the WTC points table with 38 points. The Ben Stokes-led England have won three, lost six whereas one ended in a draw. They were humbled in the Ashes 2025-26 on Australian soil. Earlier, the series against India at home ended in a 2-2 draw.
Archer is expected to be back for the second Test of the series at Kennington Oval, London, which begins on June 17.