**Jacob Duffy: The In-Form Kiwi Paceman On IPL 2026 Auction Radar — 3 Teams Who Should Target Him**
New Zealand bowler Jacob Duffy has been making headlines ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. The medium pacer starred with the ball in the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies, returning exceptional figures of 4/35 as the Kiwis secured an eight-wicket win on Thursday, November 13. Overall, the 31-year-old bagged 10 wickets to win the Player of the Series award as New Zealand clinched the series 3-1.
The Southland-born cricketer has impressed for the Kiwis in white-ball formats. Duffy has claimed 53 wickets in just 38 T20Is at a tidy economy rate of 7.36, including four four-fers. He’s also delivered in ODIs, scalping 33 wickets in 17 matches at an economy rate of 6.06.
In domestic T20s, Duffy has picked up 178 wickets in 156 games, boasting two five-fors and seven four-wicket hauls. His domestic career further highlights his consistency, with 320 First-Class wickets and 176 List-A wickets to his name.
Despite going unsold at the IPL 2021 auction with a base price of INR 50 lakh, Duffy’s career has flourished since then. Having grown in experience and showcased his match-winning abilities, the Kiwi pacer is now one of the top overseas prospects likely to be snapped up as several franchises look to strengthen their bowling attack at the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Below, we look at three teams who should seriously consider signing the in-form Jacob Duffy.
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### 1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Kolkata Knight Riders have been heavily dependent on Anrich Nortje (South Africa) and Harshit Rana (India) among their pace-bowling options. Nortje’s injury after just two games in IPL 2025 was a big setback, though he rebounded with a strong showing (seven wickets for the Dolphins in the CSA T20 Challenge).
Rana emerged as KKR’s second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025 with 15 scalps but bowled at a high economy rate of 10.18. Vaibhav Arora, their leading wicket-taker (17 wickets), is still considered a work in progress. Australian pacer Spencer Johnson did not live up to expectations, taking just one wicket in four matches at an economy of 11.73.
Bringing in Jacob Duffy could provide KKR with a solid, experienced overseas pacer — a potential upgrade on Johnson and a much-needed reinforcement for their pace attack.
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### 2. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals, led by Axar Patel, have a fast-bowling unit that’s overly reliant on Australian ace Mitchell Starc. Dushmantha Chameera, their second overseas pacer, proved disappointing in IPL 2025, picking up only four wickets in six matches at an economy of 11.40.
Among Indian bowlers, Mukesh Kumar claimed 12 wickets in as many games but struggled for consistency and finished with a high economy rate of 10.32. Meanwhile, senior pro Mohit Sharma, at 37, managed only two wickets in eight matches at an economy of 10.28—indicative of a decline.
Jacob Duffy’s arrival could give DC the quality and control they need, making him an ideal replacement for Chameera and helping shore up their bowling core.
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### 3. SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Like DC, SunRisers Hyderabad are heavily reliant on just one leading fast bowler — their captain, Pat Cummins. Mohammad Shami had a subpar IPL season in 2025, taking six wickets in nine games before picking up an injury, though his recent form suggests improvement heading into next season.
Simarjit Singh struggled, managing just two wickets in four games in IPL 2025. On the brighter side, Jaydev Unadkat impressed with 11 wickets in seven matches, while Eshan Malinga stepped up with 13 wickets from as many games.
Even with Malinga as a promising second seamer, the 2016 champions need depth and overseas backup for Cummins. Jacob Duffy fits that requirement perfectly and could be the key addition they need to bolster their fast-bowling stocks.
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**Conclusion**
Jacob Duffy’s strong performances for New Zealand and his consistency in domestic cricket make him a highly attractive option ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. With proven credentials and valuable experience, Duffy has the potential to be a game-changer for any team needing pace bowling reinforcements.
Franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and SunRisers Hyderabad would be wise to keep Duffy on their radar as they look to build winning squads for the upcoming season.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/3-teams-consider-signing-in-form-jacob-duffy-ipl-2026-auction-ft-kkr