IPL 2025: Lockie Ferguson of Punjab Kings Exits Game Due to Injury

Synopsis

During a crucial IPL 2025 match, Punjab Kings lost Lockie Ferguson to a hip injury just after he began bowling. This was a significant setback for the team, already short on pacers. Ferguson's injury raises concerns about his fitness and future participation in cricket.

Key Takeaways

Lockie Ferguson left the match early due to hip discomfort.
His exit was a blow for PBKS, already short of bowlers.
This is Ferguson's third injury issue since November 2024.
Prior to his exit, he had a solid performance with five wickets in three matches.
Punjab Kings had a strong start, winning three of four matches before this game.

Hyderabad, April 12 (NationPress) The Punjab Kings faced a significant setback during their thrilling encounter against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Saturday when New Zealand's fast bowler Lockie Ferguson had to leave the field just two deliveries into his bowling spell due to hip pain.

Ferguson had recently returned to the pitch after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the ILT20 in the UAE. He appeared to be in considerable discomfort and had to exit the game following a brief discussion with the team's physio. His untimely withdrawal was a critical blow for PBKS, particularly since the team had already utilized their Impact Player substitution, leaving them with one less pacer to defend their formidable score of 245.

This incident marks the third injury issue for Ferguson since November 2024. He missed New Zealand's ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a calf strain and suffered a hamstring pull during the ILT20 earlier this year, which ruled him out of the Champions Trophy in February. The recurrence of these fitness problems is quickly becoming a concern for both PBKS and Ferguson's future participation in both international and franchise cricket.

Before this match, Ferguson had been performing well for PBKS, claiming five wickets across three matches at an economy rate of 9.36 and a solid strike rate of 13.20. His natural pace and experience were crucial for Punjab's bowling attack, especially with Xavier Bartlett being the only other overseas fast bowler in the lineup.

Ferguson's mid-game exit not only disrupted PBKS' plans but also allowed the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to surge to 205/1 in just 15 overs while chasing 246.

The Punjab Kings had a strong start in the Indian Premier League 2025, winning three out of their first four matches before Saturday's game at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. On the other hand, SRH has managed to win only one match while losing four in the league thus far.