Shreyas Iyer & Punjab Kings (Source: AFP Photos)In a news which came as a major setback for Punjab Kings (PBKS), New Zealand pace sensation Lockie Ferguson on Thursday confirmed about his partial unavailability in IPL 2026.The 34-year-old, as reported by ESPNCricinfo, will spend some time with his family after the ongoing South Africa tour of New Zealand. Ferguson is currently playing for New Zealand, and once the series is over, he will take some time off before coming to India for IPL 2026.Lockie Ferguson To Miss Major Part Of IPL 2026Ferguson was exceptional with the ball in hand during the second T20I between New Zealand and South Africa. Riding on his 3/16, New Zealand won by 68 runs and level the five-match T20I series.Ferguson took a four-day paternity leave during T20 World Cup 2026, when New Zealand were in the Super 8 stage. He came back to play for the country, and kept on playing at home as well.Now, Ferguson emphasised his wife requires help, and he must assist her before returning back to cricket."Just had a wee son, trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help the wife out," Ferguson told the media in Auckland before the third New Zealand versus South Africa T20I. "I'll have a few weeks off after this, before sort of heading to the later stages of the IPL and away for the winter.Also Read: Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Squad Analysis: Predicted Playing XI, SWOT, Expected Finish"Always a pleasure playing for the Black Caps, really enjoyed my time in India with the group again and unfortunate the injuries played out earlier in the season. Really wanted to play some home cricket and feel just privileged to be able to play in front of the home crowd."Lockie Ferguson IPL StatsFerguson made his IPL debut back in 2017 and played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Gujarat Titans (GT), Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) before joining Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings. He was at his very best during IPL 2021, having taken 13 wickets in eight matches, that too at an economy rate of 7.46.However, his stocks went downwards after that, and his last season’s performance was not exceptional either. Even though he took five wickets in four matches, he conceded 9.18 runs per over to get that much of success.Who Will Replace Lockie Ferguson In PBKS Playing XI?With Ferguson likely to miss the majority of IPL 2026, it could be blessing in disguise for Ben Dwarshuis. The Australian left-arm pacer got a lucrative contract of 4.4 crore after unreal consistency in the Big Bash League (BBL), where the 31-year-old is the second highest wicket taker in the competition’s history.Keeping in mind that Ricky Ponting is Punjab’s head coach, it will not be a surprise to see Dwarshuis bowling in tandem with Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh from the very beginning of the IPL.Punjab Kings will begin their IPL 2026 journey against Gujarat Titans on March 31.Also Read: Punjab Kings IPL Schedule 2026: Fixtures, Venues, Full Squad, Date and Time
