New Delhi, March 29 (NationPress) New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy made a remarkable impression in his debut match at the Indian Premier League (IPL) but maintained a humble perspective regarding his role within the illustrious Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad. He emphasized that his main responsibility is to act as a reliable backup for Josh Hazlewood when needed.

After claiming an impressive 3 wickets for just 22 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad during RCB’s dominant six-wicket victory in the IPL 2026 opener last Saturday, Duffy shared his thoughts on his debut experience and the clarity of his role within the team.

"It's incredible. As a New Zealander, I’ve watched the IPL from afar and observed its glamour. Being part of such a legendary team like RCB is truly special. Kicking off the season with such a resounding win is fantastic," Duffy remarked in a video released by IPL.

Stepping into the high-pressure atmosphere of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Duffy had to quickly adjust to unfamiliar conditions. Despite SRH scoring 201 runs for 9 wickets, his precise bowling was a highlight, a fact acknowledged by opposition coach Daniel Vettori after the match.

Duffy noted that thorough preparation and studying past performances allowed him to find his rhythm. "We had a good practice session recently where I learned a lot about the Chinnaswamy wicket and effective lengths to bowl. Additionally, watching last year's performances from Josh Hazlewood, who excelled here, helped me replicate his success," he explained.

The Kiwi pacer recognized that the pitch posed unique challenges he hadn’t faced in recent months.

"A bit, yes. I haven't encountered a wicket like this in the past couple of months. There’s a bit of bounce here that we didn’t see elsewhere. But being exposed to such conditions and the caliber of batsmen we face can only enhance my skills," he added.

Although Duffy’s stellar performance highlighted him as a key bowler, he was quick to redirect the attention towards the team’s culture, which had impressed him even before joining RCB.

"The people here are amazing. I've had friends play for RCB in the past, and they’ve only shared positive experiences about the franchise. Everyone, including the staff and local players, has been incredibly welcoming. It’s a fantastic group to be part of," he said.

In a team featuring renowned players like Josh Hazlewood, Duffy stressed the importance of humility and readiness, stating, "Of course, I come in with the intention of being a supportive teammate. My role is to back up big Josh, and I aim to contribute positively to the team dynamic."

Duffy’s debut not only played a crucial role in RCB's strategy against SRH but also highlighted the strength of their pace attack. While he may consider himself a “backup,” his outstanding performance suggests he could assume a more significant role as the tournament unfolds.

RCB's next match is against the Chennai Super Kings at the same venue on April 5.