3 Potential Replacements For Lockie Ferguson In PBKS’ IPL 2025 Squad

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Lockie Ferguson [Source: @malikmehran178/x.com]Lockie Ferguson [Source: @malikmehran178/x.com]

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The ICC Champions Trophy is becoming jinxed for the pacers. Already, world-class pacers like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out of the tournament. In what comes as another setback, New Zealand's star pacer and one of their biggest X-factors, Lockie Ferguson, has also suffered a hamstring injury ahead of the tournament that puts his participation in a cloud of doubts. 

As per the latest statements by Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, he has gone for scans and the latest report is still awaited. Although the extent and seriousness of the injury are still unknown, if it keeps him out of IPL 2025, here are a few replacements PBKS can think of.

Why Did PBKS Buy Lockie, And What Kind Of Replacements Will They Look For?

Notably, PBKS bought Lockie Ferguson for ₹ 2 Cr during the IPL 2025 auction. One of the major reasons behind the PBKS management buying Lockie could be the X-factor that he brings to the table with his extra pace. Besides, Ferguson is especially adept at bowling in the middle and death phases.

So, the PBKS management might look for pacers who can bowl with pace and use their skills in the middle of the death phase. Keeping that in mind, here are three best-suited candidates. 

3. Alzarri Joseph

Why PBKS Should Replace Ferguson With Alzarri?

Alzarri Joseph [Source: @MIEmirates/x.com]Alzarri Joseph [Source: @MIEmirates/x.com]

The West Indian pacer is known for bowling fast. Alzarri Joseph might sometimes be expensive if the new ball is given to him. But his ability to bowl consistently on the hard length and cause trouble with extra pace and bounce for the batters with the older ball makes him a great presence in the bowling attack. 

Alzarri has an economy of 7.61 and a strike rate of 22.30 in the middle phase. Besides, Joseph also has a decent record in the death phase, where his economy is around 10.12, with a strike rate of 12.60. With his pace and potency in the middle and death phase, Joseph could be an excellent replacement for Lockie Ferguson.

2. Gus Atkinson

Why PBKS Should Replace Ferguson With Atkinson?

Gus Atkinson for England [Source: @KkrKaravan/x.com]Gus Atkinson for England [Source: @KkrKaravan/x.com]

The English pacer might not be as fast as Lockie Ferguson, but he has enough pace to trouble the batters. One of the biggest positives of Gus Atkinson is that he can be a utility bowler in all the phases of a game.

The PBKS will be looking for pacers who can be especially useful for them in the middle and death phases. Atkinson has an economy of 8.87 and a strike rate of 17.40 in the middle overs. While these numbers are decent, his death-over stats are even more impressive. In the final overs of an innings, Gus Atkinson has an economy of 9.50 with a strike rate of 7.90. Considering modern cricket, these are excellent numbers. Looking at his death-over abilities, PBKS can look to draft him into the squad if Lockie Ferguson is ruled out.

1. Lance Morris

Why PBKS Should Replace Ferguson With Morris?

Lance Morris [Source: @BBL/x.com]Lance Morris [Source: @BBL/x.com]

One of the BBL stars and probably the best replacement for Lockie Ferguson would be the Australian pacer Lance Morris. Much like Ferguson, Morris has the express pace and can sometimes surprise the batters with the extra he can derive from the wicket.

Besides looking for a fast bowler, PBKS' search will be for someone who can bowl well in the middle and death overs. Morris has an economy of 8.57 and a strike rate of 25.90 in the middle overs. He has the best numbers among the players mentioned when it comes to bowling in the death overs. Morris has bowled with an economy of 7.22, along with a strike rate of 6.90 in the final four overs. Given his ability as a pacer, Morris could be a perfect replacement for Lockie Ferguson in the PBKS side for IPL 2025.