Rajasthan Royals Under Pressure as Shane Bond Calls for Bowling Overhaul After Jaipur Struggles

Rajasthan Royals are facing growing concerns over their fading playoff momentum in the Indian Premier League 2026 season after another disappointing home defeat exposed continuing issues with their bowling attack.

After winning all three matches in Guwahati, RR have failed to register a single victory in three games at their primary home venue in Jaipur. The latest setback came against Gujarat Titans, leaving Rajasthan in fifth place on the points table with only three league-stage matches remaining.

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta believes the issue is less about conditions and more about poor performances.

“I think they haven't really played good cricket there [in Jaipur], and I think that's the only reason,” Dasgupta said during ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. “It's a high-scoring venue, and their batting remains very top-heavy. The middle order has been inconsistent again this season.”

Dasgupta also pointed to the fluctuating form of Dhruv Jurel as one of the reasons behind RR’s struggles in pressure situations.

Meanwhile, former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan highlighted the lack of assistance for pace spearhead Jofra Archer on Jaipur pitches.

“There’s not that lift and bounce that was available at their previous home ground where Jofra was troubling batters consistently,” McClenaghan said. “The conditions aren’t helping genuine swing or lateral movement.”

Archer, who had enjoyed a strong stretch between April 7 and May 1 with wickets in eight consecutive matches, has struggled in recent outings. Against Gujarat Titans, the England pacer endured a difficult opening over that cost 18 runs and included a no-ball and multiple wides.

McClenaghan suggested the lengthy break before the match may have disrupted Archer’s rhythm.

“Sometimes that happens after a break. Bowlers lose rhythm, and it just didn’t look crisp,” he said.

RR bowling coach Shane Bond did not hide his frustration after the defeat. Rajasthan have now conceded more than 200 runs in four consecutive games, managing just one victory during that period.

“We just haven’t played well enough in conditions that we know. We’ve been outplayed by our opposition,” Bond said at the post-match press conference.

The former New Zealand pacer stressed that bowlers need to evolve quickly in an era dominated by aggressive batting.

“The batters are coming out ultra-aggressive and putting pressure on bowlers. So as a bowler, you’ve got to ask: what can I do differently?” Bond said. “When bowlers keep doing the same thing game after game and getting the same result, then you’ve got to develop your skills and think outside the box.”

Bond encouraged bowlers to experiment with angles, run-ups, and tactical variations while making greater use of analytical preparation.

“You look at modern batters — they’re reversing, scooping, playing uppercuts. Bowlers also have to expand their range of skills,” he added.

Despite the recent slump, Rajasthan Royals remain in contention for a playoff spot. However, with victories becoming increasingly difficult to secure, the franchise faces mounting pressure to rediscover form before the league stage concludes.