punjab kings Was forced to make late changes to his playing XI for Match 55 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Delhi Capitals At the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. New Zealand’s star fast bowler missed the important match due to a minor injury, due to which PBKS had to give the Australian left-arm fast bowler a chance to make his IPL debut. ben dwarshuis.
Delhi Capitals captain spotted in high-stakes contest Akshar Patel Win the toss and opt to bowl first, with both sides making several changes to their lineup as the race for the playoffs heats up.
Why is Lockie Ferguson not playing today?
captain of punjab kings Shreyas Iyer It was revealed in the toss that lockie ferguson Was unavailable due to “minor issue”. Although the franchise did not reveal the exact nature of the injury, the management decided not to risk their premier fast bowler before the end of the tournament.
“Ben Dwarshuis comes in for Lockie Ferguson, who has a bit of a niggle,” Iyer said during the toss presentation.
Ferguson has been a vital part of the PBKS bowling attack this season with his pace and ability to strike in the middle overs. His absence is undoubtedly a blow for Punjab, especially on the Dharamshala surface which often provides bounce and movement for fast bowlers. However, the franchise will hope that the injury is merely precautionary and the Kiwi speedster will not be kept out for long during the crucial final phase of IPL 2026.
Ben Dwarshuis got his first IPL chance
With Ferguson sidelined, Punjab Kings turned to Australian fast bowler Dwarshuis, who made his IPL debut against Delhi Capitals. The left-arm fast bowler has built a strong reputation in franchise cricket around the world, especially in Australia. big bash leagueWhere he has consistently impressed with his variations and death bowling skills.
The addition of Dwarshuis adds diversity to PBKS’s bowling unit, which already includes players such as Arshdeep Singh, Marco Johnson And Yuzvendra Chahal. If Ferguson requires further rest due to injury, the Australian will be keen to make an immediate impact and cement his place in the team.
Delhi Capitals made five changes
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals made a massive change to their playing eleven after struggling for consistency this season. Captain Axar confirmed that the team has made five changes to revive their campaign.
“There have been five changes, so Abhishek Porel is playing, Sahil Parakh is playing, David Miller is playing, Auqib Nabi is playing and Madhav Tiwary is playing.” Akshar said in toss.
Inclusion of experienced South African batsman david miller It is expected that Delhi’s middle order will be strengthened by young players. Sahil Parakh And Madhav Tiwari Valuable opportunities were given in a pressure game.
Also read: Krunal Pandya reveals his ultimate goal after match-winning heroics in RCB vs MI clash in IPL 2026
Playing XI of both sides
Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wk), Abhishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Madhav Tiwary, Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi Dar, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi.
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Suryansh Shedge, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Ben Dwarshuis, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
See also: IPL 2026 – Arshdeep Singh and Samreen Kaur spotted together in Dharamshala ahead of PBKS vs DC clash
