Jacob Duffy on Bhuvneshwar Kumar - (Source: AFP)
The stage is all set for India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting on October 22. Eyes are on Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is returning to the Indian setup after 4 years. The 36-year-old had a superb IPL and UPT20 league, which forced the selectors to rethink the RCB star.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will also be up against his RCB teammate Jacob Duffy, who is part of New Zealand’s T20I squad. Duffy played 6 matches for RCB in IPL 2026 and picked up 9 wickets. He spent a good amount of time with Kumar.
Jacob Duffy Hails Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the best bowler of IPL 2026
Ahead of the 1st T20I, Duffy spoke to the press, where he opened up about playing alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Duffy heaped massive praise on the 36-year-old and even labelled him as the best bowler of IPL 2026.
“I did end up sort of picking Bhuvi’s ear quite a lot, especially around slower balls and yorkers. I think he and probably Rabada are out there as two of the best bowlers in the whole tournament. You know he’s not the fastest guy in the world, but man, he’s so skilful. He swings the ball, he hits an immaculate length, he reads batters very well, and he’s got the skills to change that up too,” Jacob Duffy remarked, speaking to RevSportz.
It is worth noting that Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 28 wickets in 16 IPL matches this year. He followed it up with 14 wickets in the UP T20 League.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Yet To Prove Himself In New Zealand
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played 5 T20Is in New Zealand and has just 4 wickets to his name. In the 19 overs he has bowled, the right-arm seamer has leaked 160 runs, maintaining an economy of 8.40, the most for him in any country.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar averages 40.00 in New Zealand, the most for him in any country. Further, he has a strike-rate of 28.5. Bhuvi’s best figures in New Zealand are 1/12, and is yet to take more than one wicket in a single game.
