Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer has showered praise on Jofra Archer after Rajasthan Royals claimed a comprehensive 47-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at New Chandigarh on Wednesday. Moody praised RR’s pack leader for attacking the opposition batters and playing a key role in the win.

Archer returned with figures of 3-58 in his quota of four overs. The England International accounted for SRH’s top three batters – Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Ishan Kishan – in the Powerplay overs and broke the back of the opposition’s run chase.

“A lot of credit needs to be given to Archer. He is handling all the pressure and carrying the team alone. Rabada has Siraj, Rashid, Prasidh, and the burden reduces a bit. But here, everything is dependent on Archer. So I think he has the edge. He has delivered time and again. I think you will have to pick Archer above Rabada,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.

Archer has scalped 24 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 21.41 and an economy rate of 9.17 in the ongoing IPL 2026.

On the other hand, the former domestic giant reckons Rajasthan Royals will enter the contest as favorites against Gujarat Titans at New Chandigrah.

“Gujarat miss playing in Ahmedabad. If they get there, they are a dangerous team. So I feel RR is a better-equipped team. Suryavanshi is the key. But the way RR have won and come, I feel they have the edge here. I feel GT should especially bat first. They do not have that depth in their batting. RR still have some depth,” he said.

Jaffer added that the inaugural champions will have the momentum with them against GT.

“RR have the momentum. The way GT lost, it has to be seen how they will comeback from that. They are a good team and will bounce back, but there is no doubt that the momentum is with RR at this point.”

RR will take on GT in the second qualifier at New Chandigarh on Friday.