IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Suffer Blow as Injured Lockie Ferguson is Likely to be Ruled Out For The Season

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Punjab Kings dealt a blow as Lockie Ferguson is all but ruled out for the remainder of IPL 2025 after the team's fast bowling coach James Hopes confirmed that the pacer's chances of returning towards the back end of the tournament are low.

The New Zealand quick, who had missed action ahead of the season with a hamstring issue in February, had hobbled off last week after bowling just two deliveries in PBKS' defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The 33-year-old pulled the side of his left leg is now out indefinitely as per PBKS fast bowling coach, who revealed that the Kiwi has in fact picked up a serious injury with his return for the season unlikely.

"Ferguson is out indefinitely, I think, 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," Hopes told reporters on the eve of PBKS' match against Kolkata Knight Riders.

The setback is a significant blow to Punjab, with Ferguson having been a key part of their bowling department, particularly in the middle overs and in the death. In four previous outings, Ferguson had claimed five wickets at an economy rate of 9.17, the best among the Punjab Kings' bowlers this season.

The New Zealand speedster, who has had stints with four other teams in IPL, was bought by PBKS for his base price of Rs 2 crore at the mega auction last year. Ferguson had most recently played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with previous stints coming at Kolkata Knight Riders, Rising Pune Supergiant and Gujarat Titans.

Since making his debut in 2017, Ferguson has featured in 49 IPL matches, taking 51 wickets at an economy of 8.97. The 33-year-old quick was known for his variations, especially his knuckle ball delivery although he was never shy of bowling some faster deliveries.

His absence will be a blow for PBKS, who will look to find a replacement in the coming days. As it stands, Punjab Kings have the likes of Vyshak Vijaykumar, Xavier Bartlett and Azmatullah Omarzai to call up on to fill the gap.

Fresh from a defeat to SRH, Punjab Kings will be looking to rebound and get back into the top four when they face defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in their third match at home - New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur on Tuesday (April 15).