Punjab Kings is gearing up to face Kolkata Knight Riders today, but the team’s excitement is tempered by a major setback. Star pacer Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to an injury.
Ferguson’s Injury Blow
Ferguson suffered the injury during the team’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, when he was forced to leave the field after bowling just two balls in the sixth over. The fast bowler, who was bought by Punjab Kings for ₹2 crore at the auction, had complained of pain in his left thigh. “Lockie Ferguson is out for an indefinite period, and the chances of him returning by the end of the tournament are slim,” said James Hopes, Punjab Kings’ bowling coach. “I think he’s got a pretty serious injury.”
Impact on the Team
Ferguson’s absence is a significant blow to Punjab Kings, given his ability to bowl consistently at over 140 kmph. In the four matches he’s played this season, he’s taken five wickets at an economy rate of 9.18. Overall, he has 51 wickets in 49 IPL matches, with a best spell of 4/28. Captain Shreyas Iyer had recently praised Ferguson’s importance to the team, highlighting his consistent pace.
The team currently sits sixth in the table, having lost two of their five matches. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, are fifth, with three wins and three losses from six matches. The match between the two teams will be played at the Mullanspur Cricket Stadium.