In a major blow for both New Zealand and the Punjab Kings (PBKS), express pacer Lockie Ferguson is likely to miss a significant chunk of the 2026 cricket calendar. After sustaining a serious calf injury during his ILT20 stint with the Desert Vipers in late December 2025, Ferguson is now a major doubt for the T20 World Cup 2026 in February and the subsequent IPL 2026 season.
PBKS, who showed immense faith in the Black Caps speedster by retaining him for INR 2 crore, now face a tactical dilemma. With the IPL 2026 season fast approaching, Ricky Ponting and the PBKS management must look for a replacement who can replicate Ferguson’s wicket-taking threat.
3 players PBKS can sign to replace Lockie Ferguson if he misses out
1) Riley Meredith (Australia)
If PBKS are looking for a like-for-like replacement in terms of sheer pace, Riley Meredith stands out as the most obvious candidate. The Australian quick regularly clocks speeds north of 145 kmph and thrives on pitches offering bounce and carry—conditions that suit the PCA Stadium in Mullanpur perfectly.
Why he fits: Meredith’s raw pace and ability to hit hard lengths make him a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs. On his day, he can dismantle batting line-ups with short, hostile spells.
The PBKS factor: Meredith has previously represented Punjab Kings and is already familiar with the franchise environment. Working under fellow Australian Ricky Ponting could help him iron out consistency issues that have plagued him in the past. Additionally, PBKS already boast Australian pacers Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis, which could ease Meredith’s transition back into the setup.
2) Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)
One of the most improved T20 bowlers in world cricket over the last two years, Fazalhaq Farooqi offers a different—but equally effective—skill set compared to Ferguson. Rather than raw pace, the Afghan left-armer relies on swing, accuracy, and clever variations.
Why he fits: Farooqi is a specialist with the new ball, capable of swinging it both ways at pace, and has significantly upgraded his death-over skills. He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, underlining his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.
The PBKS factor: Farooqi has prior ties with the franchise, having worked as a net bowler for Punjab in 2020. His inclusion would add crucial left-arm variety, forming a potent combination alongside Arshdeep Singh and giving PBKS greater flexibility across different phases of the innings.
3) Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)
Gerald Coetzee would be a dream replacement for PBKS. Nicknamed the ‘Karate Kid’ of South African cricket, Coetzee brings raw aggression, high pace, and an infectious competitive energy that lifts the entire bowling unit.
Why he fits: Coetzee is not just a strike bowler—he’s also a handy lower-order batter, adding valuable depth to the PBKS lineup. His attacking lengths and willingness to take the game on suit Indian conditions, particularly on surfaces with extra bounce.
The PBKS factor: PBKS have often lacked an intimidatory fast bowler who can unsettle opposition batters. Coetzee’s fearless, heart-on-sleeve approach aligns perfectly with the franchise’s ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ identity and could make him an instant fan favourite.
