IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can target Jacob Duffy in the mini-auction

Jacob Duffy, the New Zealand fast-medium bowler, has registered his name in the INR 2 crore base price category for the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Duffy is in spectacular form, having recently achieved a maiden five-wicket haul (5/34) in his first Test match on home soil against the West Indies in Christchurch, putting New Zealand in a commanding 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 in bowling the tough overs at the death in New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition. His proven quality makes him a prime target for teams needing a reliable overseas fast bowler. Duffy’s consistency, ability to swing the new ball, and demonstrated high-impact wicket-taking ability across formats make him a prime target for franchises seeking a reliable overseas fast bowler, willing to overlook his previous focus on red-ball cricket to acquire a player in such blistering form.

IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can 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 crucial overseas slot to fill. This limited budget forces them to target a single, high-impact overseas 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 overseas players MI can realistically target and afford. His recent five-wicket haul demonstrates his class and ability to perform in high-stakes situations. He provides the new-ball threat and reliability MI needs to maximize their limited overseas budget, making him an immediate and high-value addition.

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) hold the second-largest purse of ₹43.40 crore and have four overseas slots to fill. After releasing several pacers, including Matheesha Pathirana, CSK is in critical need of overseas fast bowling reinforcements. While they value death-overs specialists, Duffy offers the valuable alternative of consistent control and swing in the powerplay. CSK values players who perform reliably in high-pressure matches, and Duffy’s recent Test fifer reinforces his big-match temperament. Their massive budget allows them to bid aggressively for Duffy to easily secure a reliable pace option to balance their reconstructed bowling attack.

3. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have a purse of ₹16.05 crore and need to fill nine slots, including one crucial overseas slot. RR released several key players and needs a dependable overseas fast bowler who can partner their retained Indian pacers. Duffy, with his right-arm fast-medium pace, provides the perfect combination of swing and control. His consistent wicket-taking ability and, more recently, his stellar performance in Test cricket make him an attractive option for a team looking for a specialist overseas bowler to bolster their core bowling unit, allowing their all-rounders to focus on their primary roles.

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4. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB has a purse of ₹16.40 crore and two overseas slots left to fill. Having released pacers like Lungi Ngidi, RCB needs a quality overseas pacer to back up their retained fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood. Duffy 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 he is in peak form. His reasonable base price means RCB can secure him without committing a massive portion of their budget, keeping funds available for their priority targets (like Renuka Singh Thakur via RTM or an overseas all-rounder).

5. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals (DC) have a solid purse of ₹21.80 crore and five overseas slots to fill. DC’s bowling attack has often lacked a high-quality overseas pacer who can deliver consistently without being overly expensive. Duffy provides a strong, proven overseas option to balance their pace attack. His ability to take wickets and maintain a good economy rate would offer vital support to their retained Indian bowlers. DC will see Duffy’s current form as a golden opportunity to acquire a high-ranking, specialist pacer for a base price of ₹2 crore, adding much-needed depth and quality to their fast-bowling unit.

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