Punjab Kings have been compelled to make a late change to their enjoying XI for Match 55 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 in opposition to Delhi Capitals on the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Affiliation Stadium in Dharamsala. Star New Zealand pacer missed the essential encounter as a consequence of a minor damage concern, prompting PBKS at hand an IPL debut to Australian left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis.
The high-stakes contest noticed Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel win the toss and decide to bowl first, with either side making a number of modifications to their lineups because the playoff race intensifies.
Why Lockie Ferguson shouldn’t be enjoying at this time?
Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer revealed on the toss that Lockie Ferguson was unavailable due to a “slight niggle.” Whereas the franchise didn’t disclose the precise nature of the damage, the administration selected to not danger their premier quick bowler forward of the enterprise finish of the match.
“Ben Dwarshuis comes instead of Lockie Ferguson, who has a slight niggle,” Iyer stated in the course of the toss presentation.
Ferguson has been an necessary a part of PBKS’ bowling assault this season along with his uncooked tempo and skill to strike within the center overs. His absence is undoubtedly a setback for Punjab, particularly on a Dharamsala floor that usually provides bounce and motion for quick bowlers. Nevertheless, the franchise shall be hopeful that the damage is simply precautionary and doesn’t preserve the Kiwi speedster out for lengthy in the course of the essential last section of IPL 2026.
Ben Dwarshuis handed maiden IPL alternative
With Ferguson sidelined, Punjab Kings turned to Australian pacer Dwarshuis, who made his IPL debut within the conflict in opposition to Delhi Capitals. The left-arm fast has constructed a robust fame in franchise cricket world wide, significantly in Australia’s Large Bash League, the place he has constantly impressed along with his variations and demise bowling expertise.
Dwarshuis’ inclusion provides selection to the PBKS bowling unit, which already options the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal. The Australian shall be wanting to make a right away influence and cement his place within the facet if Ferguson’s damage requires additional relaxation.
Delhi Capitals make 5 modifications
In the meantime, Delhi Capitals made an enormous overhaul to their enjoying XI after struggling for consistency this season. Captain Axar confirmed that the facet had made 5 modifications in a bid to revive their marketing campaign.
“There are 5 modifications, so Abhishek Porel, Sahil Parakh is enjoying, David Miller is enjoying, Auqib Nabi is enjoying, and Madhav Tiwari is enjoying,” Axar stated on the toss.
The inclusion of skilled South African batter David Miller is anticipated to strengthen Delhi’s center order, whereas children Sahil Parakh and Madhav Tiwari have been handed precious alternatives in a strain recreation.
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Taking part in XIs of either side
Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wk), Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Madhav Tiwari, Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi Dar, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi.
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Shedge, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Ben Dwarshuis, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Additionally WATCH: IPL 2026 – Arshdeep Singh and Samreen Kaur spotted together in Dharamsala ahead of PBKS vs DC encounter
