jacob duffyThe new zealand The fast-medium bowler has registered his name in the Rs 2 crore base price category IPL 2026 Mini-AuctionDuffy has been in great form, recently taking his maiden five-for (5/34) in his Test debut on home soil against the West Indies in Christchurch, putting New Zealand in a strong position,
Duffy is known for his consistency, ability to swing the new ball and exceptional wicket-taking skills, boasting a T20I average of 17.06 with 53 wickets. He is particularly effective at bowling tough in the death overs in New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition. His proven quality makes him a prime target for teams in need of a reliable overseas fast bowler. Duffy’s consistency, ability to swing the new ball, and demonstrated high-impact wicket-taking ability across all formats make him a prime target for franchises looking for a reliable overseas fast bowler, who are willing to overlook their previous focus on red-ball cricket to acquire a player in such explosive form.
IPL 2026: 5 franchises that could target Jacob Duffy in the Indian Premier League mini-auction
1. Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians Enter the auction with the smallest purse of ₹2.75 crore and only one important overseas slot to fill. This limited budget forces them to target a single, high-impact foreign player whose acquisition can be managed within their financial constraints. Given Duffy’s ₹2 crore base price, he is one of the few high-quality foreign players that MI can realistically target and afford. His recent five-wicket haul shows his class and ability to perform in high-risk situations. He provides the new-ball threat and reliability that MI need to maximize their limited overseas budget, giving him an immediate and high-value addition.
2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) The purse is the second largest at ₹43.40 crore and there are four overseas slots to fill. After releasing many fast bowlers including Mathisha PathiranaCSK is in dire need of foreign fast bowling reinforcements. While he is valued as a specialist in the death overs, Duffy provides a valuable option of consistent control and swing in the powerplay. CSK value players who deliver reliable performances in high-pressure matches, and Duffy’s recent Test fifth-place finish reinforces his big-match temperament. Their huge budget allows them to bid aggressively for Duffy to easily secure a reliable pace option to balance their revamped bowling attack.
3. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals (RR) has a purse of ₹16.05 crore and has nine spots to fill, including a crucial overseas slot. RR have released several key players and need a reliable overseas fast bowler who can partner with their retained Indian fast bowlers. Duffy, with his fast-medium arm speed, offers the perfect combination of swing and control. His consistent wicket-taking ability and, more recently, his stellar performances in Test cricket have made him an attractive option for a team looking for a specialist overseas bowler to strengthen their main bowling unit, allowing their all-rounders to focus on their primary roles.
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4. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
RCB has a purse of ₹16.40 crore and two overseas slots are yet to be filled. After releasing fast bowlers like Lungi Ngidi, RCB needs a quality overseas fast bowler to support their retained fast bowler. Josh HazlewoodDuffy is an excellent candidate who offers a different style of right-arm fast-medium bowling that can thrive on Indian pitches, His reputation as a reliable new-ball bowler and his recent red-ball heroics indicate that he is in peak form, His reasonable base price means RCB can secure him without spending a huge chunk of their budget, while keeping funds available for their priority targets (such as Renuka Singh Thakur or an overseas all-rounder via RTM),
5. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals (DC) has a solid purse of ₹21.80 crore and five overseas slots to fill. DC’s bowling attack has often lacked a high-quality overseas fast bowler who can perform consistently without being overly expensive. Duffy provides a strong, proven outside option to balance out their speedy attack. His ability to take wickets and maintain a good economy rate will provide vital assistance to the Indian bowlers he has created. DC will see Duffy’s current form as a golden opportunity to acquire a high-ranking, specialist fast bowler at a base price of ₹2 crore, who will add much-needed depth and quality to their fast bowling unit.
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