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New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy is set to make his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in a few months’ time. Duffy, who is currently fourth-ranked T20I bowler, was roped in for his base price of Rs 2 crore by defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Ahead of the five-T20I series against India, Duffy opened up about how he feels about sharing the dressing room with modern-day great Virat Kohli.
“Never really thought that far as yet but played against him (Kohli) a few times and seen the fanfare and how Indian people love him and embrace him. It’s going to be awesome to see all that from this side of the change room,” Duffy said in Nagpur.
“The whole thing will be amazing, cheering the great man from dressing room will be special.”
Duffy on bowling alongside Hazlewood
Duffy described his experience of getting picked in IPL mini-auction as ‘weird’. He said that it will be special to share the new ball with Australia’s Josh Hazlewood.
“The whole experience was a bit of weird one but I am cool, man. I have been a fan of the IPL from a distance. You see all the glam, and to be a part of such a historic brand like RCB, with some of the best ones in the world, get to back up Josh Hazlewood, who is among top three bowler across formats. It is going to be special. The whole thing will be a special moment,” said the 31-year-old.
Duffy on India challenge
In 2025, Duffy claimed 35 wickets from 21 games at an average of 15.08, featuring three fifers. He is well prepared for the T20I series against Suryakumar Yadav-led India.
“No extra pressure, mate. We just try to do best for our team. Last time it was a bit unknown as guys didn’t know what they were coming up against. There is footage now and a bit more in terms of preparation. We are well prepared and up for fight,” he said.
The last time Duffy played T20Is against India was in 2023. On India tour, he bowled four overs in two games and took one wicket.
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