Jacob Duffy

Jacob Andrew Duffy is a 31-year-old New Zealand pace veteran who was signed by the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), for ₹2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. A 'late bloomer' in the international arena, Duffy’s stock skyrocketed following a career-defining 2025 where he finished with 81 international wickets and briefly reached the status of the No. 1 ranked T20I bowler in the world. Known for his ability to swing the new ball and a disciplined 'hard length' approach, Duffy was brought in as a strategic overseas backup for Josh Hazlewood, who is currently managing an Achilles injury.

Duffy enters the 2026 IPL season fresh from a successful campaign in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he played a key role in New Zealand's run to the final. His ability to perform in subcontinental conditions was evident during the tournament and the preceding T20I series against India, where he consistently troubled top-order batters with his movement. With a T20 career featuring 189 wickets and a reputation for being a 'smart' operator under pressure, Duffy provides RCB with a seasoned, World-Cup-ready alternative who can lead the attack at the Chinnaswamy Stadium if Hazlewood remains sidelined for the opening weeks.