‘Duffy is a bargain’: RCB’s Director of Cricket on their new recruit with 5 T20I four-fers

“Slightly unusual auction. For us, got a pretty settled team. This auction is about developing the squad. And we need injury covers. We’ve 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’s about strengthening the squad and have competition for places,” Bobat said during a break at the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

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RCB were interested in Iyer’s services in the previous season as well but he was roped in for Rs 23.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The three-time IPL champions wanted him back in the squad but RCB acquired his services for Rs 7 crore.

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Iyer has been a hit and miss in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 for Rajat Patidar-led Madhya Pradesh. He scored a 43-ball 70 against Punjab in the losing cause on the morning of the auction.

Duffy’s astonishing numbers, backup for Hazlewood?

On the other hand, Duffy has been in good form in the shortest form. He has claimed 53 wickets from 38 games at an average of 17.05, including five four-wicket hauls. His economy rate is an impressive 7.36 runs per over. Duffy hasn't played much T20 franchise cricket apart from England's T20 Blast and The Hundred.

Duffy might be Josh Hazlewood’s backup for RCB. Hazlewood has picked up an injury and is ruled out of the Ashes 2025-26. He is currently focusing on the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

RCB had let go of Lungi Ngidi who was their backup pacer when Hazlewood was unfit. The other overseas pacer they retained ahead of the auction is Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara.