IPL 2026: Riyan Parag explains why RR promoted Jofra Archer ahead of Ravindra Jadeja vs MI

Rajasthan Royals’ Jofra Archer (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki) Riyan Parag admitted Rajasthan Royals still have a few areas to improve despite clinching the final spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs with a crucial 30-run win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. RR crossed the 200-run mark thanks to explosive late strikes from Jofr Archer and Ravindra Jadeja before Archer’s brilliant spell with the ball helped knock Mumbai Indians out of the tournament. After the win, Parag explained the tactical reasoning behind promoting Archer to No. 7 and sending Jadeja to No. 9 during RR’s late batting. “Of course it’s good when things go according to plan. I know we won the game, we qualified, but there are many areas we can do better,” said Parag. “We wanted the batsman to play a bit longer (a move to have Jofra at 7, Jaddu at 9). We needed runs. It’s a wicket where you can’t have two players bat in the middle and go for runs with the ball. We wanted one guy to take the initiative and take risks. And the other could stay a bit longer.” The RR skipper reserved special praise for Jadeja, whose unbeaten 19 off 11 balls proved decisive in the final overs. “And Jadeja is as reliable as ever. I knew the back-end would give us at least 20 from 10, which he did,” he added. Parag also opened up about his aggressive management style, insisting that decisions were based more on instinct than statistical coincidences. “I’ve actually taken a lot of brave calls this season. That’s how I like to lead. That’s how I lead Assam too. You have to take risks, it’s not a gamble. Of course you think about it a lot.” One of those calls involved using Archer directly against Hardik Pandya during the Mumbai chase, a move that proved decisive after the England pacer dismissed the MI skipper in the 16th over. “I thought, Hardik – there’s only one guy who can take him out, and that’s Jofra. It paid off well.” When asked if his decisions are driven by data or instinct, Parag replied bluntly, “Instincts always.” The RR skipper also praised uncapped bowlers Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punj for stepping up in the pressure game, although he joked that he usually avoids too much praise. “It’s tough, but credit to them. I don’t usually praise them for not being cocky and stuff. But after tonight, I think they deserve it.” “Brijesh – the way he came back after playing a couple of games here and there where he bounced back for a couple of runs in the last few games. The way he bowled today and the way he bowled.” “And Punja, from the pitcher to his journey right now, is the lead spinner. Remarkable job. I hope they do it one more game and then two more games.” Parag also revealed that he is still not fully fit physically, but credits his mental toughness with helping him carry on through the season. “I’m definitely not fit. It was all mental toughness.” He also gave an update on Archer and Jadeja ahead of the playoffs. “Jofra is fine, he is strong as a rock. Jaddu bhai has some niggles here and there.” Despite securing qualification, Parag admitted that they made life difficult for RR by leaving it too late. “We should have qualified earlier. We left it a little late. Hopefully we’ll learn from all our games.”