In a serious blow for each New Zealand and the Punjab Kings (PBKS), specific pacer Lockie Ferguson is more likely to miss a big chunk of the 2026 cricket calendar. After sustaining a severe calf harm throughout his ILT20 stint with the Desert Vipers in late December 2025, Ferguson is now a serious doubt for the T20 World Cup 2026 in February and the next IPL 2026 season.
PBKS, who confirmed immense religion within the Black Caps speedster by retaining him for INR 2 crore, now face a tactical dilemma. With the IPL 2026 season quick approaching, Ricky Ponting and the PBKS administration should search for a substitute who can replicate Ferguson’s wicket-taking risk.
3 gamers PBKS can signal to interchange Lockie Ferguson if he misses out
1) Riley Meredith (Australia)
If PBKS are in search of a like-for-like substitute by way of sheer tempo, Riley Meredith stands out as the obvious candidate. The Australian fast recurrently clocks speeds north of 145 kmph and thrives on pitches providing bounce and carry—situations that swimsuit the PCA Stadium in Mullanpur completely.
Why he matches: Meredith’s uncooked tempo and skill to hit arduous lengths make him a real wicket-taking choice within the center overs. On his day, he can dismantle batting line-ups with brief, hostile spells.
The PBKS issue: Meredith has beforehand represented Punjab Kings and is already aware of the franchise surroundings. Working beneath fellow Australian Ricky Ponting might assist him iron out consistency points which have plagued him previously. Moreover, PBKS already boast Australian pacers Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis, which might ease Meredith’s transition again into the setup.
2) Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)
One of the improved T20 bowlers in world cricket over the past two years, Fazalhaq Farooqi provides a unique—however equally efficient—talent set in comparison with Ferguson. Quite than uncooked tempo, the Afghan left-armer depends on swing, accuracy, and intelligent variations.
Why he matches: Farooqi is a specialist with the brand new ball, able to swinging it each methods at tempo, and has considerably upgraded his death-over abilities. He completed because the joint-highest wicket-taker within the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2024, underlining his capacity to carry out beneath strain on the most important stage.
The PBKS issue: Farooqi has prior ties with the franchise, having labored as a internet bowler for Punjab in 2020. His inclusion would add essential left-arm selection, forming a potent mixture alongside Arshdeep Singh and giving PBKS better flexibility throughout completely different phases of the innings.
Additionally READ: IPL 2026: 3 players Punjab Kings can sign to replace Shreyas Iyer if he misses out
3) Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)
Gerald Coetzee could be a dream substitute for PBKS. Nicknamed the ‘Karate Child’ of South African cricket, Coetzee brings uncooked aggression, excessive tempo, and an infectious aggressive power that lifts the whole bowling unit.
Why he matches: Coetzee is not only a strike bowler—he’s additionally a helpful lower-order batter, including beneficial depth to the PBKS lineup. His attacking lengths and willingness to take the sport on swimsuit Indian situations, significantly on surfaces with additional bounce.
The PBKS issue: PBKS have typically lacked an intimidatory quick bowler who can unsettle opposition batters. Coetzee’s fearless, heart-on-sleeve method aligns completely with the franchise’s ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ id and will make him an prompt fan favorite.
Additionally READ: IPL 2026: 3 players KKR can sign to replace Mustafizur Rahman if he misses out
