IPL 2025: Lockie Ferguson to miss remainder of the season due to injury

Pacer Lockie Ferguson, who picked up a strain on his left thigh while bowling against Sunrisers Hyderabad, is likely to miss the remainder of the IPL 2025. As per a Cricbuzz report, PBKS' bowling coach James Hopes confirmed it while addressing the team's combination ahead of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders. 

As per the report, Hopes stated that the express pacer was out of action indefinitely due to his injury. The Australian confirmed that the chance of getting the Kiwi pacer back in action before the end of the season was low. Hopes said Ferguson's injury was serious enough to rule him out of the rest of the season.

"Ferguson is out indefinitely, and us getting him back by the end of the tournament is a very low percentage. I think he's done a real decent injury to himself," said Punjab Kings' fast bowling coach James Hopes. It could be a big blow to PBKS, considering the pace at which the right-arm pacer operates, which cannot be replicated by others.

Players who could replace Lockie Ferguson in PBKS' Playing XI

Punjab's squad has options like Xavier Bartlett and Azmatullah Omarzai, who could potentially replace him in the XI if he is indeed set to miss the remainder of the season. Bartlett has done well for his domestic side and in the BBL in the last few seasons. He might make his IPL debut in the upcoming days.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 31: Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Preview

On the other hand, Omarzai is a good option as a pace-bowling all-rounder. Skill-wise, he is different from Ferguson, as the Afghanistan player can swing the ball early in the innings. More importantly, he is a very good batter and can replace an out-of-form player like Glenn Maxwell in the Playing XI.

Apart from the overseas options, PBKS has some talented Indian pacers in their lineup. Notably, Vijaykumar Vyshak operated well at the death and won his side the match against GT. Yash Thakur, the emerging right-arm pacer, could continue to be in the XI as the supportive pacer to Arshdeep Singh.