Delhi: Rajasthan Royals pace spearhead Jofra Archer has urged his teammates to remain grounded ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 clash against Gujarat Titans, warning that the team must avoid the collapse suffered by Punjab Kings earlier in the season. The Royals kept their title hopes alive with a dominant victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator, powered by a sensational knock from teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a fiery spell from Archer. Rajasthan are now just one win away from reaching the IPL final, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru are already waiting. Despite the momentum, Archer stressed that the team cannot afford to become overconfident at this stage of the tournament. Referring to Punjab Kings’ dramatic slump after a promising campaign, the England fast bowler said Rajasthan do not want to repeat the same mistakes.
Also Read: IPL Bans Smart Glasses in Restricted Zones
Rajasthan had looked like strong playoff contenders early in the season before suffering a string of defeats that pushed them close to elimination. However, a crucial victory over Mumbai Indians in their final league-stage match helped them secure a playoff berth before their impressive Eliminator triumph. Archer, who has rediscovered top form this season after battling injuries in recent years, has played a key role in Rajasthan’s revival with his pace and wicket-taking ability. The Royals, champions of the inaugural IPL season in 2008, are now aiming to reach their second final in four years. However, they face a tough challenge against Gujarat Titans, who are expected to target in-form batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi early in the contest. With both teams eyeing a place in the summit clash, the Qualifier 2 encounter promises to be a high-pressure battle between two of the most consistent sides of IPL 2026.
