Lockie Ferguson, the Punjab Kings fast bowler, on Saturday backed skipper Shreyas Iyer's leadership credentials in IPL 2026, crediting the right-handed batter's temperament and consistency for setting the tone across the squad. Speaking during a virtual roundtable on 2 May, Ferguson said Iyer's career ups and downs had forged a composed leader who instils trust in his players.

PBKS currently occupy the top of the points table with six wins from eight games, though their unbeaten run ended in a six-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals in New Chandigarh. The franchise face Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday evening.

Ferguson on Iyer's captaincy

"Starting on Shreyas, I played against him a lot and played A cricket against him when we were both a lot younger. You can see he's developed into a very confident player. I think that sort of continues through his captaincy," Ferguson told IANS. "He has a lot of trust in his players. He's had lots of ups and downs in his career and understands that things don't always work out perfectly."

Ferguson, who was playing his first game of the season in the loss to Rajasthan, acknowledged the pressure of captaincy. "But it's not easy to be a captain, as I have had the chance of captaining myself in some franchise tournaments. I can imagine the pressure he's under as the leader of the Punjab franchise, but he does it so well. He's so consistent with his attitude and his temperament amongst the group, which I think flows onto how the guys play."

Ponting's role in squad culture

Ferguson also credited head coach Ricky Ponting for building a high-confidence environment. "It also comes from Ricky as well. They work so well together. They build a lot of confidence within the group. We have a lot of fun and then, I think when cricket happens, the boys really try to turn on and perform for their leaders. So, again, nice to be back with the group."

Bowling execution under scrutiny

PBKS' bowling attack has come under pressure after conceding five 200-plus totals this season — second only to Rajasthan Royals. Against Rajasthan, the bowlers sent down more than twice as many slower balls as their opponents but gave away 64 runs off 27 of those deliveries without taking a wicket.

The franchise has taken the fewest wickets — just 34 — and has the worst average of 43.9 and balls-per-wicket ratio of 25.2 in the competition. With an economy rate of 10.5, PBKS rank among the most expensive attacks alongside Mumbai Indians (10.9) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (10.4).

Ferguson on tightening execution

Ferguson acknowledged the slip-up but expressed confidence in a turnaround. "That's correct. I mean, execution is the key, right? So, we're trying to execute. Some days, not so good. But at the same time, the skill sets that are involved with this bowling attack led by Arshdeep and Yuzi, I thought the spinners were fantastic last game."

"We're trying to make little adjustments, trying to tighten up in areas. We know how within the IPL, how small margins can look a lot bigger on TV. But we're just trying to tighten up on areas, try to double down on our planning. We're very lucky with James Hopes leading the scouting and the information we get spot on. We weren't at our best last game, but look, I'm sure the boys will bounce back tomorrow and look forward to that challenge," he added.

With PBKS aiming to reclaim momentum against Gujarat Titans, Ferguson's remarks underscore the squad's belief in their leadership structure despite recent bowling frailties.