Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are going to face each other on Sunday's doubleheader where these two teams are going to face in Guhwati at 7.30 pm. Both the teams are coming with a loss but the focus is on Rajasthan Royals it's going to be their home venue. Rajasthan has lost both of their matches which would be added pressure for them, though Captain Sanju is playing due to his recovery from the injury he is been playing impact sub-player for three matches. 

Chennai has also a mixed start where they have won their first game against Mumbai Indians and lost the second one against RCB. On the eve of Sunday, there is going to be a doubleheader where CSK is going to face Rajasthan Royals in the second game at Guhawti, it's going to be an interesting battle between these two teams who would like to return to winning ways. Some key players can contribute and turn the match on their own.

Read More: IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Match 11

1 Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson has a great record against Chennai Super Kings his accelerating batting gives smoothness to the score. Sanju has the highest score of 74 runs against the Super Kings, he can be more dangerous as he does not have that extra responsibility which he did earlier so he can go by free hand to launch the assault. Samson can be dangerous if he sticks in the crease for a long time as he has done many times. It's on Csk bowlers how quickly they give a send to this player. 

2. Rachin Ravindra

 Rachin Ravindra the New Zealand batter was an essential part of the team last year, he has scored an ample of runs which secured his retention this season for the men in yellow. He was the replacement of Devon Conway.  Last year Rachin scored 222 runs for Csk with one fifty including it. That confidence cracked CSK to buy him and they got him for the price of 1.8 crore. 
Rachin had a super start in this year's IPL season too against Mumbai Indians where his 65 runs paved the way to victory where the other side's wickets were crumbling In the second match too he was effective but got in Yash Dayal's yorker.

3. Jofra Archer

Archer is a lethal bowler in T20 his records speak for him same as in IPL he has delivered his magic, Archer was bought by Rajasthan Royals in 2018 from there he has been go through bowler for them. Jofra has taken a total of 46 wickets for Rajasthan Royals but sometimes he could be the most expensive like the last match where he gave out 74 runs in his 4 overs which is the most expensive skill in the history of IPL. There has always been rooting for him and can be deadly in the upcoming match against CSK. 

England pacer Jofra Archer had a nightmare comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL), giving away 76 runs in four overs  the costliest bowling spell in the history of the tournament. Playing for Rajasthan Royals in his first IPL game since 2023, Archer's return was tainted by a Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) onslaught, who scored a record 286/6, one run shy of the all-time IPL record of 287.

The worst IPL bowling figures were previously held by Mohit Sharma, who conceded 73 runs in 2024. Archer now leads that unhappy list after being dismantled for 10 fours and 4 sixes in his four overs on a thumping Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium wicket in Hyderabad.

How Archer's Four Overs Unfolded

1st Over (Over 5 of the match): Archer's IPL 2025 started badly as Travis Head blasted 23 runs off the over, four boundaries, and one six. Only a solitary dot ball gave the bowler any relief.

2nd Over: Matters stabilized slightly but continued to leak runs. Nitish Reddy punched two sharp boundaries as Archer cost 12.

3rd Over: Ishan Kishan arrived at the party, hitting three sixes on his way to a merciless hundred. The over-hemorrhaged 22 runs.

4th Over: Archer's last over described his spell five from the no-ball, three fours by Heinrich Klaasen, and one final four by Kishan added up to the over's total of 23, clinching his unwanted mark of 0/76.

Sunrisers Dominate with the Bat

SRH resumed their batting massacre, and Ishan Kishan did it with a blistering 106 not out off just 47 balls on his debut for the franchise. Travis Head (67 off 31) provided the momentum at the top, while Klaasen's late flourish (34 off 14) made a terrifying 286/6 total, which is now the second-highest in IPL history.

ALSO SEE: MS Dhoni’s Lightning-Fast Stumping Stuns Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025

Top 5 Most Expensive Spells in IPL

• Jofra Archer (2025) – 0/76
• Mohit Sharma (2024) – 0/73
• Basil Thampi – 0/70
• Yash Dayal (2023) – 0/69
• Reece Topley & Luke Wood (2024) – 0/68

Rajasthan Fights But Falls Short

Despite the steep target, Rajasthan Royals fought out a gallant chase, remaining at 242/6. Captain Sanju Samson (66 off 37) and Dhruv Jurel (70 off 35) powered the show, but early damage was too much to counter.

Match Summary

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 286/6

• Ishan Kishan: 106* (47)
• Travis Head: 67 (31)
• Tushar Deshpande: 3/44

Rajasthan Royals: 242/6

• Dhruv Jurel: 70 (35)
• Sanju Samson: 66 (37)
• Harshal Patel: 2/34

Jofra Archer's comeback was supposed to strengthen the Royals' pace bowling, but it became a record-breaking night for all the wrong reasons. With SRH now having four of the top five IPL totals including three in 2024 alone their merciless batting lineup seems set to overpower once again in 2025.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer created new history in the ODI format for his team during the crucial Afghanistan vs England Group B match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the right-arm fast bowler broke legendary English pacer James Anderson's record.

It is the must-win match for both England and Afghanistan to only stay in semi-final contention for this tournament. While Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is hosting the match, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi decided to bat first after winning the toss. Afghanistan lost three wickets in the powerplay and managed to score only 39 runs. Archer dominated in that powerplay as he picked up all three wickets. 

Jofra Archer: Fastest England bowler to complete 50 ODI wickets

In the fifth over of the innings, Afghanistan lost their first wicket as the opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was bowled by Archer for only six runs. It was Archer's 50th ODI wicket, which the right-arm fast bowler completed in 30 ODIs. It set a new record for the England team as Archer recorded the fastest English bowler to complete 50 ODI wickets. 

Legendary England right-arm pacer James Anderson was the previous record holder for the fastest England bowler to record 50 ODI wickets, as he completed it in 31 ODI matches. 

Jofra Archer recorded 3 for 64 

Coming back to the Afghanistan vs England match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Archer later dismissed Sediqullah Atal (4) and Rahmat Shah (4) cheaply in the powerplay. However, the Afghan batters later strongly handled him, as Archer ended the game with the bowling figures of 10-0-64-3. He has recorded 52 wickets in 30 ODIs.

While the Afghan opener Ibrahim Zadran brought up the dominant batting performance with 177 runs from 146 balls, the new highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history, he got strong support from captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40), Azmatullah Omarzai (41), and Mohammad Nabi (40), as Afghanistan scored 325/7 in 50 overs.

In the third One Day International (ODI) match between England and India at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, England's Jofra Archer was seen sleeping in the dugout during an ODI at Third ODI between England vs India (Fast bowler taking a nap dugout while the team batting) The amusing snap went viral on social media, with many fans laughing at how the experienced archer can sit out a high-intensity cricket match.

Archer hits a brilliant ball
Jofra Archer saw, of course, pictured resting although he was brillballing way to Archer for the crowd. With six wickets for just 40, he showed why it has been one of the finest bowling figures by an England player in an ODI. His bowling supported England in the game pretty well.

NAP TIME FOR JOFRA ARCHER 😄🔥 pic.twitter.com/ulU1V2VrsV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 12, 2025

Archer takes a light nap caught by Indian fans
Initially, the video of Archer sleeping went viral, and responses from users on social media were not one way. Some found it hilarious and relatable but then others were simply impressed with his confidence. A lot of people said he is THAT great fast bowler because of his composure behind him, this wasn't even high pressure really.

ALSO READ: PAK vs SA Tri-series Live Streaming&: Where & How to Watch the Match Online & on TV
England Series Performances
England's comment on his bowling was a big factor in Archer's involvement. England have been playing to a plan with the pace and Archer proved his worth. His ability to combine relaxation with high-intensity bowling demonstrates his complex mindset of being at the very top level of the game.

England Cricket Board (ECB) revealed the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which will be held in Pakistan. The team, is guided by Jos Buttler and it has a mix and the youth.
Injury Update: Tom Banton to replace injured Jacob Bethell
As a squad was about to be announced, Tom Banton was brought back to start in place of Jacob Bethell who suffered an injury. Banton offers excellent power at the top of the order with charismatic strokeplay and allrounder

FULL SQUAD:

• Jos Buttler (C) – Wicketkeeper & Captain
• Jofra Archer – Fast Bowler
• Gus Atkinson – Fast Bowler
• Tom Banton – Top-order Batsman (Replacement for Bethell)
• Harry Brook – Middle-order Batsman
• Brydon Carse – Fast Bowler
• Ben Duckett – Batsman
• Jamie Overton – All-rounder
• Josh Smith – All-rounder
• Liam Livingstone – All-rounder
• Adil Rashid – Leg-spinner
• Joe Root – Middle-order Batsman
• Saqib Mahmood – Fast Bowler
• Phil Salt – Wicketkeeper-Batsman
• Mark Wood – Fast Bowler

England Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Jos Buttler (C), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Josh Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

England's squad for the #ChampionsTrophy locked in after roping in Tom Banton for the injured Jacob Bethell 👊

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/LDTwb9Upiy pic.twitter.com/zxTKURvMWQ

— ICC (@ICC) February 12, 2025

Squad Analysis
For England, the middle has been left with a balanced mix of hitters, spinners, and pace as well. Experienced players like Buttler, Root, Rashid, and Wood bring a level of stability, and also youngsters like Harry Brook and Josh Smith which are filled with promise. With fast bowlers in form like Jofra Archer, Mark Wood Saqib Mahmood the ball looks dangerous and they do get bounced too. What Adil Rashid will bring on the spin is going to be important, especially looking at a subcontinent wicket.

ALSO READ:Australia's Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Full List and Key Insights

Chances of England in the Champions Trophy 2025
England is one of the standout sides in the tournament having recently won three Outram Shield Winners Maceknob end to end. They are a relatively untested team, having never won the Champions Trophy and only once reached the final in 2013.

The 2025 IPL Mega Auction ended in Jeddah on November 24th and 25th. While all the teams moved on to rebuild their respective squads, they purchased several players for colossal sums of money. Following a tremendous two-day event that saw 577 participants go under the hammer, teams with increased player purses of INR 120 Crores made competent choices and built their squads to cater for their next three years' prospects.

But, certain purchases have resulted in the franchise breaking the bank to obtain its playability. However, these offers have left many wondering whether the price tag they provided is justified. That said, here are the top five pricey bids from the recent 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Venkatesh Iyer- INR 23.75 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Kolkata Knight Riders spent a big bank on Venkatesh Iyer. The reigning champions repurchased their ace southpaw for a hefty INR 23.75 crore, making him the most expensive allrounder being acquired. Fans were taken aback when the Kolkata outfits agreed to pay Iyer such a high price. His paycheque last season was a decent INR 8 crores, which has increased significantly through the recently concluded 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

While it was understandable for KKR to repurchase a top-order batter from their title-winning side, the sum paid for Venky Iyer seemed to be exorbitant. In his IPL stint of 50 matches, he has made 1326 runs, averaging over 32 and scalped three wickets.

Jitesh Sharma- INR 11 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru purchased Jitesh Sharma at the recent Mega Auction. But the keeper could see himself being sold for a large sum, which was a shock for many. Given his decline in performance since last season, it was a surprise when RCB signed him for a whopping INR 11 crores. Several fans and reviewers have expressed reservations about Jitesh's high price.

However, given the franchise's new ideals and game plan of developing young players, Jitesh Sharma will likely be a worthwhile investment as a long-term wicketkeeper. However, it sparks much debate among fans and critics about whether the price tag is justified. He has scored 730 runs in 40 matches, with a fantastic strike rate of 151.14. 

Jofra Archer- INR 12.5 Crores (Rajasthan Royals)

Jofra Archer had a reunion stint in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The English speedster was initially excluded from the auction, but a few days before, he obtained his NOC (No Objection Certificate) and registered his name. At the auction, Rajasthan Royals purchased him for 12.5 crores. Archer has had several injuries throughout the years, and he could never produce some crucial spells for the Mumbai Indians. 

But now that RR has spent so much money on the ace speedster, it would be interesting to see the Englishman's homecoming performance. In 35 IPL appearances, he has taken 46 wickets at an economy rate of 7.13.

See Also: IPL 2025: Top 5 Most Expensive Players from the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Noor Ahmad- INR 10 Crores (Chennai Super Kings)

Noor Ahmad made his IPL debut for the Gujarat Titans in 2023 and was an instant success, taking 16 wickets in 13 games. Though his form slipped the previous season, he took just ten wickets in 10 games. And at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, the Chennai Super Kings signed him for a whopping ten crores, representing a 3233% salary increase. Interestingly, GT was on a basic salary of 30 lakhs.

Given Noor Ahmad's just a mere few appearances for his national team, the new price tag appears to be far too much. Interestingly, in IPL 2021, he was a nets bowler for CSK, which might be the key reason for having him onboard to the yellow side. In 23 IPL matches, he has taken 24 wickets at an economy rate of eight.

Josh Hazlewood- INR 12.5 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The Australian quickie, Josh Hazlewood, has had a reasonably strong position in the IPL, though he might not be the ideal pacemaker in the shortest format overseas. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have repurchased him for Rs 12.5 crore. Having already contributed to RCB's successful 2021 season, Hazlewood is expected to spearhead their speed assault again.

His demonstrated ability to generate bounce and movement will considerably improve RCB's fast bowling department. However, his lack of familiarity and poor stats might hurt the team's bowling mix, exposing it to be too expensive. His IPL record consists of him playing only 12 matches and scalping 12 wickets at an economy of 7.93.

England pacer Jofra Archer has announced his ambition to return to the Test arena for the next edition of the Ashes series. After battling numerous injury setbacks, Archer is determined to prove his critics wrong and is using the rest of 2024 to work towards his goal. Although he has recently returned to T20 cricket, Archer is yet to make a comeback in the longer formats of the game.

Archer’s determined comeback

In a recent interview with the BBC, Archer expressed his desire to utilize the remaining months of 2024 to ensure his selection for the Ashes remains a viable possibility. The fast bowler emphasized that he is motivated to silence the doubters who have mocked his fitness struggles on social media. Archer plans to manage his fitness diligently, aiming to reach peak condition by the start of the Championship next year, which he views as a crucial step toward his Test return.

“I am going to use the rest of this year to make sure that is at least a possibility. I’m tired of going on Instagram and seeing posts saying ‘he’s going to be on the physio’s bed in the next two weeks’ and stuff like that. I want to spend the rest of the year proving some people wrong and hopefully play in another Ashes,” said Archer.

“I will manage myself as best as possible and get myself [through] until at least maybe the start of the Championship next year. I’ll probably play a few of those [games] and keep building up and getting that workload ready for Test cricket,” he said in the same interview.

“I am feeling good and want to get some games in. I am going to enjoy this little phase of some white-ball cricket,” he added.

Focusing on fitness and future goals

Archer’s journey back to full fitness has been gradual, with Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, stating that the pacer will not be rushed into the longest format of the game.

See Also: Nehra shares opinions on Gambhir-Kohli equation and Hardik’s captaincy snub – Cricket Winner

Archer, who was part of the England squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 where they were defeated by India in the semi-finals, is eager to manage his workload effectively and build up his stamina and form through domestic matches. His focus remains on contributing to England’s Ashes campaign and reestablishing himself as a key figure in the Test squad.

In the lead-up to the upcoming T20 World Cup, England’s cricket fraternity is excited as pace sensation Jofra Archer inches closer to a remarkable comeback after a year-long battle with injuries. With Archer poised to return to competitive cricket, England’s prospects for defending their title receive a significant boost.

Jofra Archer’s Road to Recovery

The journey back to fitness has been challenging for Jofra Archer. Since his last competitive outing in May last year, Archer has been sidelined due to recurring issues with a stress fracture in his right elbow. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has exercised caution, opting to keep Archer out of the Test arena until 2025. However, with the T20 format offering a less demanding platform, hopes are high for Archer to regain his form and fitness.

See Also: Over 500 overseas players register for Lanka Premier League 2024 auction

Expectations for the T20 World Cup

Archer’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad is significant for England’s bowling arsenal. With his ability to bowl at express pace and deliver pinpoint yorkers, Archer is poised to lead England’s attack in the tournament co-hosted by his native West Indies. His return injects a potent weapon into England’s bowling lineup and bolsters their chances of mounting a successful title defence.

Upcoming Squad Announcement

As England prepares to unveil its 15-strong squad for the T20 World Cup, the cricketing world awaits with bated breath. Alongside this announcement, England will also reveal the squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan. With memories of their lacklustre defence in the previous World Cup fresh in their minds, England is determined to assemble a formidable squad capable of turning the tide in their favour.

Influence of the Indian Premier League (IPL)

As the cricketing fraternity closely monitors Archer’s progress, the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has already provided a glimpse of England’s potential firepower. Notable performances by English players, including centuries from Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Phil Salt, and Will Jacks, underscore England’s batting prowess and boost their confidence heading into the World Cup.

Jofra Archer‘s presence in England’s T20I series against Pakistan next month holds significant weight not just for the series itself but also as a litmus test for his readiness for the T20 World Cup in June.

Jofra Archer’s return to competitive cricket after 11 months of hiatus due to a recurring right elbow injury has been eagerly anticipated. At 29, Archer’s journey back to form is crucial for England’s aspirations, especially with the impending T20 World Cup.

See Also: IPL 2024: Key points about the win of SRH against CSK

Archer’s Current Status and Injury History

Archer is currently in Barbados, preparing to play club cricket. This move comes after a series of setbacks, including a back stress fracture, which has plagued his career since 2021.

England’s managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, has been instrumental in overseeing Archer’s rehabilitation. Key’s decision to withdraw Archer from the IPL reflects a cautious approach aimed at ensuring Archer’s long-term fitness and effectiveness.

Expectations for Archer in the T20 World Cup

Despite limited appearances for England recently, Archer’s inclusion in the squad speaks volumes about the team’s belief in his ability to regain his form and prowess on the field.

Archer’s potential inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad hinges on his performance in the upcoming series against Pakistan. Key’s optimism about Archer’s progress underscores the importance of his role in England’s campaign.

Rob Key told Sky Sports News, “He’s now just gone back in the Caribbean, where he is going to play a little bit of club cricket, stuff like that – all about getting himself ready for that World T20. He’ll play hopefully the Pakistan series. But it’s always fingers crossed at the moment with Jofra.”

While Archer’s immediate focus is on white-ball cricket, England has outlined plans for his return to Test cricket in 2025. His ability to consistently bowl above 90mph makes him a valuable asset for England’s Test team. England’s strategy revolves around a gradual approach to Archer’s return, prioritizing his long-term fitness and effectiveness across all formats of the game.

Managing Workload

Archer’s return could potentially bolster England’s squad, providing them with a much-needed pace attack in crucial matches. Archer’s participation in club cricket in Barbados and his recent stint with Sussex’s pre-season buildup in India signify his commitment to regaining match fitness.

Rob Key explained further, “What we’re going to do is take it slower than trying to go too quickly so that we get him back for not just a short period, we get him back for a long period. And the whole plan with Jofra is he’s going to play white-ball cricket for this summer and going into the winter. Then hopefully next summer, when we play India, then into the Ashes, we get him back for Test cricket. It’s a slow process just to get him back for all forms.”

Archer’s involvement in club cricket underscores the importance of grassroots-level cricket in honing skills and maintaining match fitness. England’s cautious approach includes managing Archer’s workload effectively to prevent further injuries and ensure his availability for key fixtures. The focus on Archer’s return to Test cricket highlights England’s long-term vision for his inclusion in the team.

Jofra Archer, the England fast bowler, showcased his skills as he bowled for a Karnataka team during a practice match against Sussex at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Friday, March 15.

Archer’s Training Camp in India

Archer arrived in India as part of a 10-day training camp for his County Championship side, Sussex, in Bengaluru. The camp aimed to prepare the team for the upcoming County season, with Lancashire also participating in a similar training program in Bengaluru.

See Also: IPL 2024: Will Shreyas Iyer play the opening match or not? Here’s the big update from the team manager

Although Archer did not bowl on the opening day of the tour game, he joined the Karnataka team as a substitute on Friday. Displaying his talent, Archer picked up two wickets in the morning session, including a stump-breaker delivery, showcasing his rhythm and skill.

Sussex Cricket Club Tweeted:

Jofra Archer is back in action! The speedster makes an impactful return during a practice match for a Karnataka team against Sussex in Bengaluru. Picking up two wickets, including a stump-breaker, Archer showed he’s in fine form. Great to see him back on the field!

After seeing the video, cricket fans started speculating that Jofra would be featured for RCB in the upcoming IPL season.

Future Prospects of Archer

Archer has been recovering from a stress fracture in his right elbow, which required surgery following the IPL 2023 season, where he represented the Mumbai Indians. Due to the recurrence of the injury, Archer opted out of IPL 2024, focusing on his rehabilitation and workload management under the guidance of the England and Wales Cricket Board.