When discussing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who purchased the pacer at the mini-auction prior to the Indian Premier League 2026, legendary Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was full of admiration for Jacob Duffy. Interestingly, Duffy was the only foreign pacer selected at the auction table by the reigning champions.
Shortly after the BlackCaps cricketer won Player of the Series following his performance in the just finished three-match Test series against the West Indies, Ashwin wrote a post expressing gratitude for Duffy. An ‘amazing steal’ for RCB, the former Chennai Super Kings cricketer emphasised Duffy’s stats in both Tests and T20Is.
“Jacob Duffy is becoming an incredible cricket player. His coming-of-age year has been 2025.
In the Test match against the Windies, he took 23 wickets at a strike rate of 40.3, a wicket-count of 15.43, and POTS [Player of the Series]. Currently ranked #2 in T20I bowling, he had an incredible 2025 in T20s, taking 57 wickets at 18.9, 7.89 economy, and an outstanding 53.1% dot ball rate. He’s at the top of his game at thirty-one. The fact that RCB picked him up for [INR] 2 crore was an absolute steal. Ashwin said on his official ‘X’ handle, “Sensational coup.”
Visit this link to read Ashwin’s post about Jacob Duffy.
What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning out to be. 2025 has been his coming of age year.
23 wickets at 15.43, 40.3 Strike rate and MOS in the tests against Windies.
He’s also the current #2 ranked T20I bowler, with a sensational 2025 in T20s with 57 wickets at 18.9, 7.89… pic.twitter.com/Oda9LxdqxX
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 22, 2025
In recent times, Duffy has played a crucial role for his nation with the ball. Additionally, he was recently temporarily regarded as the top T20I bowler till Varun Chakravarthy of India surpassed him. He can create swing when playing in bowling-friendly circumstances and has excellent technique with the new ball. Additionally, Duffy has some helpful variations in his kitty that he has used when bowling in the last moments.
Duffy is one of eight foreign players from RCB who will compete in the 2026 IPL. Josh Hazlewood and the Kiwi quick are likely to be the two foreign fast bowlers if Rajat Patidar’s team plans to field four foreign players. Hazlewood will lead the team’s pace attack once more after being signed by the team for INR 12.50 crore before to the auction.
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