The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) The last two auction cycles have ushered in a golden age of tactical precision, with the last two auction cycles being regarded as masterclasses in team building. After finally breaking their title drought and entering the 2026 season as defending champions, the franchise continued their momentum with a highly successful mini-auction in Abu Dhabi.
By retaining the powerhouse and making surgical additions, management silenced critics who once questioned their auction strategy. This year’s proceedings were no different as they moved with a limited purse to secure high-value targets that complemented their existing championship structures. Now, after the incident, the veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin He focused on the results, identifying one particular RCB signing he considered the absolute steal of the tournament.
Ravichandran Ashwin hails RCB’s IPL 2026 auction buy ‘absolute steal’
According to Ashwin, he was bought New Zealand accelerator Jacob Duffy For a base price of ₹ 2 crore, it is nothing short of a “an absolute steal.” Ashwin noted that 2025 has been a transformational year for the 31-year-old pacer, who recently climbed to the top of the global rankings.
Duffy’s form peaked during the final Test series against the West Indies, where he took an astonishing nine in the final match at Mt Maunganui to secure the Player of the Series award. His performances have been so dominant that he recently broke Sir Richard Hadlee’s 40-year-old record for the most international wickets by a New Zealander in a calendar year, ending 2025 with 81 scalps. Ashwin pointed out that Duffy currently ‘operating at peak efficiency’ making him a dangerous addition to an already formidable RCB bowling attack.
“What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is. 2025 has been his coming-of-age year. 23 wickets at 15.43, Strike rate 40.3 and MOS in Tests against Windies. He is also a T20I bowler at a sensational 252. 18.9, 7.89 economy and an elite 53.1% at 31. he is working at maximum efficiency. Get him at a base price of 2C An absolute steal by RCB to get”. Ashwin wrote in X.
What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is. 2025 was his coming of age year.
23 wickets at 15.43, 40.3 Strike Rate and MOS in Tests against Windies.
He is also the current No. 2 T20I bowler in 2025, sensational in T20s with 57 wickets at 18.9, 7.89. pic.twitter.com/Oda9LxdqxX
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 22, 2025
RCB’s tactical versatility by strengthening their championship defense ahead of the IPL 2026 edition
Apart from the statistical brilliance, the signing of Duffy gives RCB great tactical flexibility as they try to defend their IPL crown. Ashwin emphasized that Duffy is not just a backup option but a legitimate front-line starter who could fight for a place in the playing XI alongside compatriot Josh Hazlewood. In 2025 alone, Duffy took 35 wickets in 21 T20Is at a remarkable average of 15.08 and proved his ability in the shortest format in the international arena.
Duffy’s ability to maintain elite point ball speed during wickets makes him a perfect fit for the high-scoring environment of the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. led RCB management You Bobat and Andy Flowereven if he likes key overseas players, he appears to prioritize injury cover and squad depth, ensuring the team remains competitive. Josh Hazlewood or Nuwan Thuhara facing availability problems.
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