big shock for both new zealand and this Punjab Kings (PBKS)express pacer lockie ferguson An important part of the 2026 cricket calendar is likely to be missed. After suffering a serious shin injury during ILT20 tenure with Desert Viper At the end of December 2025, Ferguson is now a major doubt t20 world cup 2026 in february and beyond ipl 2026 Season.
PBKS, which showed great faith in the Black Caps speedster by retaining him for Rs 2 crore, is now facing 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.
PBKS can sign 3 players to replace Lockie Ferguson if he misses out
1) Riley Meredith (Australia)
If PBKS is looking for a similar replacement in case of high speed, Riley Meredith Has emerged as the clearest candidate. The Australian fast bowler regularly clocks north of 145 kmph and thrives on pitches offering bounce and carry-conditions that are perfectly suited to the PCA Stadium in Mullanpur.
Why he fits: Meredith’s raw pace and ability to hit tough lengths makes him a real option to take wickets in the middle overs. On his day, he can demolish batting line-ups with short, hostile spells.
PBKS Factor: Meredith has previously represented Punjab Kings and is already familiar with the franchise environment. serving under fellow australian ricky ponting This may help him overcome continuity issues that have plagued him in the past. Additionally, PBKS already has Australian fast bowlers Xavier Bartlett And ben dwarshuisWhich could make the transition back to Meredith’s setup easier.
2) Fazalhaq Farooqui (Afghanistan)
One of the best T20 bowlers in world cricket in the last two years, Fazalhaq Farooqui Offers a different—but equally effective—skill set than Ferguson. Rather than raw pace, the Afghan left-arm bowler relies on swing, accuracy and clever variations.
Why he fits: Farooqui is a specialist with the new ball, able to swing it at pace both ways, and has significantly improved his death over skills. He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.
PBKS Factor: Farooqui, who served as a net bowler for Punjab in 2020, has a pre-existing relationship with the franchise. His inclusion will add significant left-handed variety, making for a powerful combination. Arshdeep Singh And to provide more flexibility to PBKS at different stages of the shift.
Also read: IPL 2026: 3 players Punjab Kings could sign to replace Shreyas Iyer if he misses out
3) Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)
Gerald Coetzee Would be a dream replacement for PBKS. Nicknamed the ‘Karate Kid’ of South African cricket, Coetzee brings with him raw aggression, blistering pace and an infectious competitive energy that energizes the entire bowling unit.
why does that fit: Coetzee is not just a strike bowler – he is also a useful lower-order batsman, adding valuable depth to the PBKS lineup. His aggressive length and willingness to adapt the game to Indian conditions, especially on surfaces with extra bounce.
PBKS factor: PBKS often lacks a dangerous fast bowler who can trouble the opposition batsmen. Coetzee’s fearless, heartfelt approach meshes perfectly with the ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ identity of the franchise and could make him an instant fan favourite.
Also read: IPL 2026: KKR may sign 3 players to replace Mustafizur Rahman if he misses out
