Why is Jofra Archer not playing RR vs PBKS IPL 2025 match? Check RR Playing XI

In a massive breaking news development, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have suffered a huge setback as their premier fast bowler Jofra Archer will not be available for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season. The Rajasthan Royals are taking on the Punjab Kings in their opening match after the IPL 2025 resumption at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Interestingly, the Rajasthan Royals have already been knocked out of the contention to qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs after having witnessed only three victories out of their 12 matches this season. RR will be eyeing to play for their pride in the remainder of their campaign and hope to win both of their remaining two matches against Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). 

Why is Jofra Archer not playing today's RR vs PBKS IPL 2025 match?

After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson revealed that fast bowler Jofra Archer is not part of the RR playing 11 for this match against Punjab Kings on Sunday. Incidentally, Archer is currently nursing an injury and therefore, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have opted not to send their premier speedster for the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2025 season. The English fast bowler sustained the injury duing the last match against Kolkata Knight Riders. 

On the other hand, Jofra Archer did not had the best of starts with the ball for Rajasthan Royals during this IPL 2025 season. However, he made a stunning comeback during the latter matches of the T20 tournament, having taken as many as 11 wickets from 12 matches this year at an expensive economy rate of 9.47. During the toss, Sanju also mentioned that young South African pace sensation Kwena Maphaka comes in the RR playing XI for Archer. 

"Wanted to bowl first after how the pitch behaved in the last game against RCB. Let's see how it plays out today. I am okay, hundred percent fit. I would love to respect where he (Suryavanshi) is batting. He has played well for us. I will bat down the order, I come in for Nitish Rana. Maphaka comes in for Jofra Archer," stated Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson during the toss. 

Sanju Samson (C) returns. Kwena makes his Royals debut. We're all set! 🔥💪 pic.twitter.com/gAE6wL1iAZ

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 18, 2025

RR Playing 11

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kwena Maphaka, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

RR IPL 2025 squad

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kunal Singh Rathore, Riyan Parag(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Wanindu Hasaranga, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Akash Madhwal, Sanju Samson, Tushar Deshpande, Kumar Kartikeya, Nandre Burger, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ashok Sharma.