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RCB's Auction Bargain: Why Kiwi Pacer Duffy is a Steal for IPL 2026

RCB had a successful start to the IPL 2026 auction, picking up two key players. Director of Cricket Mo Bobat was pleased to get experienced players like Venkatesh Iyer and Jacob Duffy, specifically calling the Kiwi pacer a "bargain". Head coach Andy Flower revealed the team had been trying to sign Iyer for two years, valuing his competitive spirit and leadership. Duffy brings exceptional current form, being the leading wicket-taker in international cricket this year.

Key Points: RCB's Mo Bobat Calls Jacob Duffy a Bargain After IPL Auction

  • RCB secured all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore after a two-year pursuit
  • Director Mo Bobat emphasized the need for experienced injury cover in a settled team
  • New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy was acquired for Rs 2 crore, termed a 'bargain'
  • Duffy is 2025's leading international wicket-taker with 72 wickets in 35 matches
3 min read

Duffy is a bargain...: RCB Director of Cricket welcomes Kiwi pacer's acquisition in IPL 2026 auction

RCB's Mo Bobat and Andy Flower discuss the acquisitions of Venkatesh Iyer and Jacob Duffy, highlighting Duffy as a bargain buy for IPL 2026.

"Duffy is a bargain. For us, it is about strengthening the squad and have competition for places. - Mo Bobat, RCB Director of Cricket"

Abu Dhabi, December 16

Following the acquisition of Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Director of Cricket Mo Bobat expressed that both the players are "experienced" players and termed Duffy a "bargain".

RCB got off to a fine start in the IPL 2026 auction, getting seasoned India and Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for Rs seven crores and Kiwi pacer Duffy for Rs two crores.

Speaking during the auction, Bobat said, as per ESPNCricinfo, "Slightly unusual auction. For us, we have got a pretty settled team. This auction is about developing the squad. And we need injury covers. We have lined up two guys experienced in their own right. To get Venky and Duffy for the price we got - happy. Duffy is a bargain. For us, it is about strengthening the squad and have competition for places."

Also, head coach Andy Flower pointed out how the team was looking to get Venkatesh for the past two years, and they "rate him highly".

"It is two years running we've battled KKR for Venky--we both rate him highly, so it's great to have him on board. We met him, chatted, and loved his competitive spirit, smarts, and leadership qualities for the dressing room and field. Looking forward to working with him," he concluded.

Venkatesh has 1,468 runs at an average of 29.12, with a strike rate of over 137, a century and 12 fifties in 56 innings in IPL. Last year, KKR bought him back for Rs 23.75 crores, but he had a poor season, with just 142 runs in seven innings at an average above 20, a strike rate of almost 140, and just one fifty.

In T20S, he has scored 3,179 runs in 144 matches at an average of 34.18, SR of 138.63, including a century and 18 fifties and has taken 55 wickets at an average of above 25. In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26 season, he has scored 211 runs at an average of 26.37, with an SR of over 119 and two fifties in 11 matches.

The New Zealand speedster Duffy on the other hand, is having a dream year with 35 wickets in 21 matches at an average of over 15, three four-fers this year in T20Is.

He is the leading wicket-taker in international cricket in 2025 with 72 wickets in 35 matches at an average of above 17, with three four-fers and two five-fors. Duffy has scalped 178 wickets in 156 T20s at an average of ocer 24 with two five-fors and seven four-fers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, I think RCB's strategy is sound. They're not splurging on big names but building a balanced squad. Duffy's 2025 form is incredible. If he brings that to the IPL, he could be the death bowler they've been missing.
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Ananya R
Venkatesh Iyer needs to justify this faith. His SMAT numbers this season are just okay, not great. Hope he repays RCB's trust. The pressure to perform in Bengaluru is different from Kolkata. All the best to him!
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Vikram M
Duffy is the leading wicket-taker in 2025! For 2 crores, this is the definition of a bargain. RCB's scouting team deserves credit. Our pace attack with Siraj, Ferguson, and now Duffy looks threatening. Ee sala cup namde? 🤞
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Karthik V
I have a respectful criticism. While Duffy's numbers are good, IPL is a different beast. Many overseas pacers have struggled on our flat pitches. Hope the management has a clear role for him. Don't just buy him because he's cheap.
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Priya S
Andy Flower saying they battled for Venkatesh for two years shows they really wanted him. His leadership qualities are a plus. We need strong Indian core players. Good start to the auction, RCB!

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