IPL 2023: KKR in trouble as star pacer doubtful after fresh injury

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Kolkata Knight Riders have suffered a fresh injury blow as Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the New Zealand ODI squad against Sri Lanka with an injury.

Lockie Ferguson, who is in the Kiwi team for the Lanka ODI series, didn't feature in the first match in Auckland on Saturday (March 25). The Blackcaps confirmed the pacer has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

It is also said Ferguson was enduring a pain due to stiffness on his hamstring. Ben Lister has been named as Ferguson's repalcement.

"Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of Saturday's ODI against Sri Lanka due to a right hamstring injury. The Aces paceman underwent a fitness test at training today which confirmed he would be unfit to play. A replacement will be confirmed early tomorrow," a statement from the New Zealand cricket's official Twitter account read.

Lockie Ferguson was roped in by KKR for IPL 2023

Lockie Ferguson was part of the Gujarat Titans setup last year. But in the trading window, he made a return to KKR as the Knights traded him in for a whopping INR 10 crore. The pacestar was supposed to be a key part of the KKR bowling lineup.

But with fresh injury concerns, it is to be seen whether the Kiwi pacer can take part in the IPL. He is set to miss at least the first few matches for KKR this season, and it will all depend upon the extent of his injury.

It will come as a huge blow to KKR who are set to lose their captain Shreyas Iyer due to a back injury. Lockie Ferguson picked up 12 wickets for the Titans last year and overall has 36 IPL wickets to his name.