The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have entered a golden era of tactical precision, with their last two auction cycles being hailed as masterclasses in squad building. After finally breaking their title drought and entering the 2026 season as defending champions, the franchise continued its momentum with a highly successful mini-auction in Abu Dhabi.
By retaining a powerhouse core and making surgical additions, the management has silenced critics who once questioned their auction strategy. This year’s proceedings were no different, as they navigated a limited purse to secure high-value targets that complement their existing championship structure. Now, in the aftermath of the event, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the results, identifying one specific RCB signing that he considers to be an absolute steal of the tournament.
Ravichandran Ashwin hails RCB’s IPL 2026 auction buy as an ‘absolute steal’
According to Ashwin, the acquisition of New Zealand speedster Jacob Duffy for a base price of ₹2 crore is nothing short of a “absolute steal.” Ashwin pointed out that 2025 has been a transformative year for the 31-year-old pacer, who has recently ascended to the top echelons of global rankings.
Duffy’s form reached its zenith during the recent Test series against the West Indies, where he claimed a staggering nine-wicket haul in the final match at Mount 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 taken by a New Zealander in a single calendar year, finishing 2025 with 81 scalps. Ashwin noted that Duffy is currently ‘operating at peak efficiency,’ making him a dangerous addition to an already formidable RCB bowling attack.
“What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning out to be. 2025 has been his coming-of-age year. 23 wickets at 15.43, 40.3 Strike rate, and MOS in the tests against Windies. He’s also the current #2-ranked T20I bowler, with a sensational 2025 in T20s with 57 wickets at 18.9, 7.89 economy, and an elite 53.1% dot ball rate. At 31, he’s operating at peak efficiency. Absolute steal by RCB to pick him up at a base price of 2C. Sensational coup.” Ashwin wrote on X.
What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning out to be. 2025 has been his coming of age year.
23 wickets at 15.43, 40.3 Strike rate and MOS in the tests against Windies.
He’s also the current #2 ranked T20I bowler, with a sensational 2025 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 the championship defense ahead of IPL 2026 edition
Beyond the statistical brilliance, the signing of Duffy provides RCB with immense tactical flexibility as they attempt to defend their IPL crown. Ashwin highlighted that Duffy is not just a backup option but a legitimate frontline starter who can challenge for a spot in the playing XI alongside his compatriot Josh Hazlewood. In 2025 alone, Duffy claimed 35 wickets in 21 T20Is at a remarkable average of 15.08, proving his mettle in the shortest format on the international stage.
Duffy’s ability to maintain an elite dot-ball rate while taking wickets makes him a perfect fit for the high-scoring environment of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The RCB management, led by Mo Bobat and Andy Flower, appears to have prioritized injury cover and squad depth, ensuring that the team remains competitive even if key overseas players like Josh Hazlewood or Nuwan Thushara face availability issues.
