Jacob Duffy: The Cricketing Prodigy with a Unique Journey
Jacob Duffy’s current profile on X includes a line that seems out of place in cricket. He reveals that it was originally an inside joke from poker sessions with teammate Michael Rae. Whenever they received pocket twos, they’d impulsively go all-in, reflecting a spirit of fun rather than a genuine strategy.
The Poker Metaphor
Duffy chuckles while discussing this. Pocket twos are known as one of the weakest hands in poker, typically discarded without a second thought. However, their occasional success makes the victory feel disproportionately rewarding—not due to their strength, but because of persistence. Duffy’s career has mirrored this unpredictability.
A Meteoric Rise and Sudden Challenges
He joined Otago at just 17, impressively taking the scalps of Kane Williamson and Tim Southee during his T20 debut. He also made waves at the Under-19 World Cup before making his international debut in 2020, after a lengthy delay marked by more bench time than playtime.
The Road to Self-Discovery
Reflecting on his journey, Duffy believes that more accomplished batters at the domestic level had figured him out, pushing him to seek a competitive edge. However, in aiming for greater speed, he compromised his rhythm and faced conflicting advice from various coaches. His most constructive feedback came from Rob Walter, then Otago’s coach, who guided him through essential adjustments in his technique.
Rediscovery and Growth
Duffy faced ups and downs yet never truly stepped away from cricket. He participated in international tours but often found himself overshadowed by more established players like Southee, who also inadvertently became a mentor. His patience paid off when he finally received his Test cap in 2025, shattering records and garnering attention in the IPL.
Embracing the Chaos
Now, Duffy is navigating the exhilarating chaos of international cricket, preparing for his first World Cup while anticipating fatherhood. He acknowledges the significance of his experience in Bengaluru, where he has the opportunity to learn from cricketing icons like Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood.
A Lesson in Resilience
For Duffy, poker symbolizes life’s uncertainties. “You can only control your actions; after releasing the ball, it’s out of your hands,” he reflects. At 31, he has gone from being a promising teen to among the world’s top T20 bowlers, living through what might be the most fulfilling phase of his life. Just like pocket twos, staying the course could yield surprisingly successful outcomes.
