He picked up five wickets in four matches in IPL 2025.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) made a few notable changes in their setup with Ricky Ponting as head coach and Shreyas Iyer as captain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The leadership duo took the relatively young side in the playoffs and the IPL final for the first time since 2014. However, they missed out on their maiden IPL title by just six runs. While there have been some great seasons from the Indian players, a few overseas players couldn’t make an impact. However, there was a player who missed nearly the entire season for them due to injury, Lockie Ferguson. With the IPL 2026 mini auction around the corner, PBKS will look to fill in the gaps and might seek a replacement for Ferguson, who has had injury concerns in the past.
Ferguson was roped in by PBKS for his base price of INR 2 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He looked good before picking up an injury during the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The right-arm pacer’s role was of enforcer, with his sheer pace, clicking 145+ kmph regularly. He took five wickets in four matches at an economy of 9.17. His numbers might not speak about his impact. But he delivered crucial breakthroughs leading to wins against Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.
The 34-year-old’s record in the IPL is a testament to his skills and ability. Featuring in 49 games across eight seasons, the tall pacer has picked up 51 wickets at an economy of 8.97, which includes a four-wicket haul. Additionally, his experience of playing franchise leagues across the globe could be vital. If Punjab Kings opt to release Ferguson, many franchises will be interested in securing his services. So, let’s find out which three franchises will be in search of this overseas pacer.
MAL-W
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ASM-W
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INA
17/0
PHL
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SK
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INA
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SL
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BAN
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GER
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BEL
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GER
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BEL
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GER
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BEL
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GER
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BEL
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TBC
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TBC
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BJKW
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FELW
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BBW
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LMLW
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TBC
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TBC
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TBC
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TBC
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VBG
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KNCC
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VBG
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SCK
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KNCC
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LEM
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SCK
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GCA
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GCA
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LEM
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NVR
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CCC
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GTC
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NAJC
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91YC
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NVR
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GTC
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BCC
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HH
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RR
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GAW
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DC
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CHK
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STCC
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GUJCC
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RLC
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WAF
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MINY
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KAK
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YAR
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VMK
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OAW
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TBC
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TBC
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TBC
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TBC
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AUS A
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SL-A
28/2
WOR
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LEI
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HAM
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SUSS
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GLAM
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GLO
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BB
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NOR
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YOR
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DER
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LAN
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DURH
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SURR
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SOM
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KENT
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MID
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LAN-W
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DUR-W
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SUR-W
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SOM-W
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HAM-W
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BRB-W
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ESS-W
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TBLZ-W
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ZIM
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SA
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Mumbai Indians haven’t had a great last five seasons, managing to qualify for the IPL playoffs only twice. While they had arguably the best core Indian players, the five-time champions struggled with their pace attack. They tried options like Riley Meredith, Chris Jordan, Reece Topley, Luke Wood, Tymal Mills, and Lizaad Williams, but none had a strong impact. Hence, MI might look for a middle over enforcer to maintain the pressure built by the likes of Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.
With left-arm pacers like Boult and Ashwani Kumar already available in the squad, Mumbai can replace Lockie Ferguson with Reece Topley. The inclusion of the Kiwi player might work for MI on a red-soil pitch that offers pace and bounce. He will also bring variety to their pace unit.
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Lucknow Super Giants struggled immensely with their pace bowling attack in the IPL 2025. Their speedsters lacked consistency and control with the new ball, which is evident from the number of wickets taken and the economy rate. The LSG fast bowlers recorded the second fewest wickets (18) and the worst economy rate (10.73), and an average of 50.06 in the entire season. Additionally, their pacers conceded the most number of sixes.
LSG have almost a one-dimensional pace attack. They lack someone who hits the deck hard and exploits help from the surface. While there are many loopholes in the bowling attack which they need to address, Lockie Ferguson has much to offer. He can lead the bowling attack and brings vast experience, which they surely lack. The Ekana Stadium in Lucknow also has a red-soil surface, and it will work in his favour. In his lone outing at the venue, Ferguson picked up a wicket while conceding at 8.67 rpo.
Kolkata Knight Riders were the favourites coming into the IPL 2025 season. But they finished eighth in the points table. They have had two major concerns, including the middle-order muddle and the pace bowling unit’s consistency. KKR tried to fill the vacuum left by the departure of Mitchell Starc with Spencer Johnson. But the plan didn’t work. While they had the option of South African pacer Anrich Nortje, he missed the majority of the season due to injury. All of their pacers had an economy of over 10, with swing bowler Vaibhav Arora being the most economical at 10.12. They recorded the third-worst economy rate in the middle overs.
Ferguson could be the game-changer for KKR. He can run through the middle-order and provide control in the middle phase. His raw pace, control, and accurate bouncer make him a deadly bowler to face. He will also enjoy the pace-friendly conditions at the Eden Gardens.
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