Rajasthan Royals death-over switch sees Jofra Archer bowl 19th, Deshpande seals win over Gujarat Titans

Rajasthan Royals altered their death-over plan as skipper Riyan Parag, influenced by deputy Dhruv Jurel, gave Jofra Archer the 19th over and Tushar Deshpande the 20th. Archer conceded five, before Deshpande defended 10 by allowing four, restricting Gujarat Titans to 204 for 8 in a chase of 211.

Rajasthan Royals held off Gujarat Titans in a tight finish after a late bowling switch reshaped the last two overs. Riyan Parag moved Jofra Archer to the 19th over. Tushar Deshpande then kept the 20th. Deshpande conceded four runs while defending 10. GT ended on 204 for 8, chasing 211.

Archer explained that the original plan placed Archer in the final over. The order changed during the game. Archer said the fielding also matched the late plan. Archer then delivered a five-run 19th over. Archer said: "Riyan changed his mind. He Deshpande was going to bowl the 19th, and I was going to bowl the last. Everything that could have gone right in the field, went right, and I am proud of the boys.\"

Jofra Archer and Tushar Deshpande bowl the final overs

Parag said Dhruv Jurel pushed for the change in sequence. Parag said the aim was pace and straight lines at the end. Parag said: \"I was actually going to switch the order but credit to Jurel - he asked me to go with Jofra for the 19th. Wanted to go as fast as possible and as straight as possible, the RR skipper said.\"

Parag added that the choice carried risk, but it was carried out as planned. Parag said: \"It was just incredible. Took a chance - to go full and fast, and the boys delivered. I was so excited they executed the way they wanted, Riyan added.\" Archer later praised Deshpande’s accuracy under pressure and the use of yorkers.

Jofra Archer explains pace-on plan on the wicket

Archer said practice and match conditions can differ, so bowlers must adjust quickly. Archer said slower balls did not grip on the surface. Archer said: \"Practice and a game can be two different things. It is just about adapting.\" Archer added: \"One day, we will have to bowl pace-on and pace-off on other days. Slower balls were not staying in, so we had to go pace-on.\"

A key moment came when Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada pushed GT near the target. Parag then offered a chance in the deep, which Archer held. Archer said: \"Initially, when he hit it, I thought it was going to six. I just ran and hoped for the best, and thankfully it went in.\"

Rashid Khan reviews Gujarat Titans chase after Rajasthan Royals total

Rashid said GT’s bowlers did well to limit Rajasthan Royals to 210 for 6. Rashid also said the chase began well but slipped in the middle overs. Rashid said: \"Well, I think, we bowled really well, especially the way they have started to restrict them under like, 210. I think it was a great effort on this wicket by the bowlers. And then we started really well with the bat too. I felt we have given a great start with the openers. And then I felt in the 12th and 13th overs, we lost back-to-back wickets, he said.\"

Rashid said the double strike shifted the game and left GT short at the end. Rashid said: \"Thats something which really put us on the back foot. But I think, if they were there, it wasnt that hard to score, but I think in that period of time, we just lost the momentum of the game. Well, I feel, on the wicket like this, 9-10 per over, its not that the hard job to be done, he said.\" Rashid said GT were on the course for a win but lost momentum midway.

With inputs from PTI