England pacer Jofra Archer endured a forgettable start against the Gujarat Titans as he registered an unwanted IPL record during Rajasthan Royals’ clash in IPL 2026. The express fast bowler bowled an 11-ball opening over, officially making it the longest first over in the history of the Indian Premier League.

Archer, who has otherwise enjoyed a strong IPL 2026 campaign, looked unusually rusty after Rajasthan Royals returned from a week-long break. Entrusted with the new ball, the right-arm pacer struggled badly with his rhythm and control in the opening over. He bowled multiple wides and extras, allowing the Gujarat Titans to collect 18 runs in the very first over of the innings.

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While several bowlers in IPL history have previously bowled overs lasting 11 deliveries, Archer created a unique record by becoming the first player ever to bowl an 11-ball over right at the start of a match. The awkward beginning immediately put Rajasthan Royals under pressure in a crucial contest during the business end of the tournament.

An unusual start to the match! 😅

Jofra Archer bowled 11 balls to complete the first over – the longest over in TATA IPL! 🤯

Gujarat Titans’ biggest first over ever – 18 runs! #TATAIPL Revenge Week 2026 ➡️ #RRvGT | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/4f0xDg7EfO pic.twitter.com/bZFFBgUADp

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 9, 2026

Here are the bowlers who have bowled 11-ball overs in IPL history:

• Mohammed Siraj – vs Mumbai Indians, 2023 (19th over)
• Tushar Deshpande – vs Lucknow Super Giants, 2023 (4th over)
• Shardul Thakur – vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2025 (13th over)
• Sandeep Sharma – vs Delhi Capitals, 2025 (20th over)
• Hardik Pandya – vs Gujarat Titans, 2025 (8th over)
• Arshdeep Singh – vs Gujarat Titans, 2026 (20th over)
• Jofra Archer – vs Rajasthan Royals, 2026 (1st over)

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Despite the embarrassing record, Archer remains one of the Rajasthan Royals’ standout performers this season. The England speedster has picked up 15 wickets in 10 matches and continues to lead the Royals’ pace attack with authority. His ability to strike with the new ball and deliver under pressure at the death has been one of the key reasons why Rajasthan are still firmly in the IPL 2026 playoff race.

One poor over may have created an unwanted statistic, but Archer’s overall impact this season continues to underline why he remains one of the most feared fast bowlers in T20 cricket.