Here is why Lockie Ferguson Isn’t Playing Today’s IPL 2025 Match 31 Against KKR

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will be without New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson in their highly-anticipated IPL 2025 encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday, April 15. The match is being held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

Ferguson, a key figure in Punjab’s pace attack, was listed as unavailable ahead of the fixture, sparking curiosity among fans and analysts. The franchise did not include him in the playing XI or among the impact substitutes for today’s game.

Fitness Concerns Cast Doubt on Ferguson’s Season

It has now been confirmed that Ferguson has been ruled out of the IPL 2025 indefinitely due to an injury setback. The 33-year-old was last seen in action during PBKS’ previous fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 12, where he walked off the field after bowling just two deliveries.

Punjab Kings’ fast bowling coach James Hopes addressed the media ahead of the PBKS vs KKR match and offered an update on Ferguson’s condition.

“Ferguson is out indefinitely, and the chances of us getting him back by the end of the tournament are very slim, I would have thought. I think he has sustained a pretty serious injury,” Hopes stated.

Ferguson appeared to clutch the side of his left leg during that match and did not return to bowl or field, raising concerns about another injury setback in his career.

Injury Troubles Mount for Kiwi Speedster

Ferguson’s current setback adds to a growing list of injury concerns. Earlier this year, he missed the Champions Trophy due to a hamstring issue suffered during the ILT20, and he had also been dealing with a calf injury in the lead-up to the IPL.

Despite limited appearances this season, the right-arm pacer made notable contributions for Punjab Kings.

Lockie Ferguson in IPL 2025:

Left the field injured after bowling two balls

Overall Career Record

Across 49 IPL appearances, Ferguson has picked up 51 wickets at an average of 30.00 and an economy rate of 8.97. His overall T20 record stands at 218 wickets in 180 matches, with a career-best of 5/21.

PBKS Likely to Rethink Bowling Combination

With Ferguson sidelined for the foreseeable future, PBKS will need to reassess their pace options. The team is expected to rely more heavily on Arshdeep Singh while exploring backup overseas options if necessary.

Punjab Kings are currently in the middle of a tightly contested season and will need to manage their bowling resources smartly if they are to maintain playoff hopes without one of their fastest bowlers.