KKR Visit Looms as PBKS Deal with Ferguson Loss
Mullanpur, April 15, 2025: The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are facing a significant setback as they prepare to host the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium today. Their key fast bowler, Lockie Ferguson, has been ruled out indefinitely due to an injury sustained in their previous match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
The news comes as a major blow to the Punjab Kings’ campaign, especially considering their bowling attack has been under pressure in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. Ferguson, who hobbled off the field after bowling just two deliveries against SRH while clutching his left thigh, is unlikely to feature for the remainder of the tournament.
“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,” confirmed PBKS fast bowling coach James Hopes on the eve of their clash against KKR.
The New Zealand international had picked up five wickets in the four matches he played, and his express pace and ability to pick up crucial wickets in the middle overs made him a vital cog in the PBKS bowling lineup. His absence leaves a significant void that the team will need to fill quickly.
This injury is the latest in a series of setbacks for Ferguson, who had previously missed the Champions Trophy for New Zealand due to a hamstring injury sustained earlier this year during the ILT20. He had also been sidelined with a calf injury in late 2024.
The timing of Ferguson’s injury is particularly concerning for PBKS as they enter a crucial phase of the tournament with back-to-back matches against KKR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). After a mixed start to the season, with three wins and two losses, the Shreyas Iyer-led side will need to regroup quickly to maintain their momentum.
Speaking about the team’s strategy in Ferguson’s absence, Hopes acknowledged the need to tweak their bowling plans. “We’re obviously going to have to change our team up a bit with Ferguson not being able to play,” he said.
PBKS have a few options to consider as Ferguson’s replacement. Australian seamer Xavier Bartlett, who is part of their squad, could be a direct replacement. Alternatively, they might look to bring back Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai to provide an extra seam-bowling option and strengthen their batting depth. Indian pacers Vijaykumar Vyshak and Yash Thakur are also in the squad and could be considered.
Adding to their woes, PBKS’ fielding has also been a concern, with the team having dropped as many as 12 catches in the tournament so far. Hopes admitted that this has cost them crucial moments in games and is an area they are working hard to improve.
Despite the challenges, Hopes expressed confidence in the abilities of their lead Indian pacer, Arshdeep Singh. “For starters, I am really enjoying working with him. And you are correct, he is a world-class bowler,” Hopes said, highlighting Arshdeep’s potential to lead the pace attack in Ferguson’s absence.
Meanwhile, their opponents for today’s encounter, the Kolkata Knight Riders, come into the match with momentum after a comfortable victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their previous game. They currently sit fifth in the points table with three wins and three losses.
KKR will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the PBKS bowling attack, especially with Ferguson’s absence. Their strong batting lineup and versatile spin options, in the form of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, could pose a significant threat on a pitch in Mullanpur that is expected to offer a fair contest between bat and ball.
The head-to-head record between the two teams heavily favors KKR, who have won 21 out of their 33 encounters in the IPL. However, PBKS will take confidence from their recent victory against KKR in the previous season.
As PBKS grapple with the setback of losing a key player, their resilience and ability to adapt their strategy will be tested when they take on a confident Kolkata Knight Riders unit in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.
