India, May 24 -- Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag feels that his team should have qualified for the IPL 2026 playoffs earlier, rather than leaving it for their final league game. Ahead of their final league game vs Mumbai Indians, RR needed a win to clinch the final playoff berth. A defeat would have seen them miss out on a spot.

Jofra Archer proved to be the difference-maker, taking a three-wicket haul and contributing with the bat as RR won by 30 runs. When RR's batting order was crumbling in the first innings, he was promoted to no. 7 and justified the decision. His quickfire 15-ball 32 proved to be pivotal as RR got to 205/8 in 20 overs. Archer also smashed three sixes and a four.

Then, when RR were defending a target of 206 run...