“Absolute steal by RCB to get it back at base price”

Former Team India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has congratulated reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the signing of New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy in the IPL 2026 auction. The Kiwi seamer has been in fine form across formats, with his latest exploits being the nine-wicket haul in the third Test against the West Indies at Mount Maunganui.

Duffy is also currently the second-ranked T20I bowler in the world behind India’s Varun Chakaravarthy. Meanwhile, RCB signed the in-form seamer for his base price of ₹2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction.

Speaking about the signing after Duffy’s third Test exploits, Ashwin said on his X handle:

“What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning out to be. 2025 was his coming-of-age year. 23 wickets at 15.43, strike rate 40.3 and MOS in Tests against the Windies. He is also the current No.1 ranked T20I bowler, with a sensational 2025 in T20 with 57 wickets at 18.9, 7.89 economy and an elite ball rate of 53.1% At 31, he’s operating at peak efficiency by RCB to pick him up at a base price of 2C.

Duffy has never played an IPL match in his career, but has an excellent T20 record, picking up 178 wickets at an average of 24.33 and an economy of 8.35 in 156 outings.

RCB’s latest signing had a 2025 season for the T20 ages

Jacob Duffy had a memorable 2025 season in the shortest format with the ball. In T20Is, the 31-year-old has collected an incredible 35 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 15.08 and an economy of 7.47, including three 4-wicket hauls.

Duffy also thrived in the Vitality Blast and the Hundred in the UK earlier this year, combining for 18 wickets in 15 outings at an average of 23. With Josh Hazlewood already in their ranks, RCB could tinker with their XI in several ways as they attempt to complete the rare successful title defense in the IPL.

The franchise could play both Duffy and Hazlewood in the lineup, alongside Phil Salt and Tim David, as other overseas stars in some games, or have the Kiwi seamer as a backup option to Hazlewood for others.