Punjab Kings reports Lockie Ferguson will miss remaining of the IPL due to injury; Here are 3 likely replacements who can take his place in the Punjab Kings playing 11
Punjab Kings (PBKS) fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was seen injured in the last game, as he had to leave the ground after bowling just two balls in the game against SRH, where literally the Punjab Kings bowlers were toyed with.
After initial scans, Lockie Ferguson has been reported to be ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2025, as reported by the fast bowling coach James Hopes.
"Ferguson is out indefinitely, and the chances of us getting him back by the end of the tournament are very slim, I would have thought," reported Hopes ahead of the next PBKS match for which they head to the Eden Gardens. James also ruled out his chances of a possible return anytime soon, as he said he might have sustained a very serious injury.
Ferguson previously missed the ICC Champions Trophy for his national side New Zealand and just returned from a hamstring injury that he picked up during the ILT20 league in the United Arab Emirates. With a series of injuries, the calf injury followed by a hamstring pull and now another injury Ferguson is not undergoing the finest of patches in his career.
Also, he was of great value to the Punjab Kings; he picked 5 wickets in the 3 games he featured in with an economy of nearly 9.17.
3 replacement options for Punjab Kings pacer Lockie Ferguson
1. Azmatullah Omarzai
The Afghan all-rounder featured in the opening game for the Punjab Kings against the Gujarat Titans. Omarzai has been a star in international cricket, and with his all-around excellence with both bat and ball, he has made it to the list of international stars.
Omarzai can be ideal to replace Ferguson, as his pace bowling can come in handy, while he can have an aggressive intent with the bat as well.
2. Aaron Hardie
The Australian lanky pacer also has some great effect with the bat at times, and hence even Hardie at times can be a very crucial player for the team. Ricky Ponting might seek Hardie as the ideal replacement for the New Zealand pacer for the rest of the season.
3. Xavier Bartlett
Xavier Bartlett, another Australian in the PBKS lineup, coach Ponting might try his hand out on the bowler who stunned with his efforts in the Big Bash League and also went on to pick regular wickets for Australia ever since his debut in the international shortest format of the game. Bartlett is a bowler similar to Ferguson's standards, and he can match his pace and ability to bowl in different variations.
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