'Not the Fastest, But So Skillful': Jacob Duffy Hails Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Return
NZ pacer Jacob Duffy hails former RCB teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar's skill as the Indian pacer returns to the national side for the T20I series.
As India prepares to take on New Zealand in a high-stakes five-match T20I series, the spotlight has shifted toward a familiar face in the Indian camp. New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy has expressed immense admiration for his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, following the veteran's long-awaited return to the national squad.
The series is set to kick off on November 22, with the opening clash scheduled to take place in Christchurch. For Bhuvneshwar, this recall marks a significant milestone, as he hasn't featured for India since the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Adelaide.
The Art of Swing and Skill
Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Jacob Duffy highlighted that while Bhuvneshwar may not possess raw, blistering pace, his tactical brilliance makes him a lethal threat. Duffy emphasized that the 36-year-old's effectiveness lies in his mastery of the craft rather than sheer speed.
“He's not the fastest guy in the world, but man, he's so skilful. Obviously, he swings the ball, he hits with a much better length, he reads batters very well, and he's got the skills to change it up too,” Duffy remarked.
Duffy added that experiencing Bhuvneshwar's approach firsthand while playing alongside him at RCB was a "cool" experience and admitted he is eager to see the Indian speedster in action once again, even if it is from the opposing side.
A Resurgence Through the IPL
Bhuvneshwar's road back to the national team was paved by a stunning resurgence in the Indian Premier League. Playing for RCB, the pacer became a cornerstone of the franchise's success, helping them secure back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026.
His statistics during this period tell a story of consistency and precision:
- Overall RCB Record: 45 wickets in 31 matches with an average of 22.55 and an economy rate of 8.52.
- IPL 2026 Dominance: He emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker of the season, claiming 28 scalps in 16 matches at an impressive average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95.
Taming the Toughest Conditions
Duffy also touched upon the difficulty of bowling in India, noting that the combination of specific pitches, grounds, and the impact substitute rule makes the IPL one of the hardest environments for any bowler in the world.
In Duffy's estimation, Bhuvneshwar and Kagiso Rabada stood out as the elite performers of the 2026 tournament, labeling them as the two best bowlers in the entire competition.