T20 World Cup 2026 jolt for New Zealand: Lockie Ferguson’s injury raises fitness doubts

New Zealand’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have suffered a setback, with veteran fast bowler Lockie Ferguson’s participation now in doubt. The 34-year-old speedster sustained a calf injury while representing Desert Vipers in the ILT20, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the marquee tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

Calf Injury During ILT20 Raises Red Flags

Ferguson picked up the injury while bowling against MI Emirates in an ILT20 league match in Dubai on December 21. Following medical assessments, he was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, forcing Desert Vipers to hand over captaincy duties to England all-rounder Sam Curran.

The injury has proven more serious than initially feared, with Ferguson also sidelined from the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26, further complicating his recovery timeline.

New Zealand’s Pace Attack Under Pressure

Ferguson was expected to play a key role in New Zealand’s upcoming five-match T20I series against India, scheduled ahead of the T20 World Cup. However, with his recovery still ongoing, his availability remains uncertain.

Adding to New Zealand’s worries, fellow pacer Will O’Rourke has already been ruled out due to a back injury, leaving the team’s fast-bowling resources stretched at a crucial stage of preparations.

ICC World Cup Plans Face Uncertainty

With the T20 World Cup less than two months away, Ferguson’s absence could significantly impact New Zealand’s plans. Known for his express pace and death-over expertise, the right-arm quick has been a vital part of their white-ball setup over the years.

India Announce ODI Squad for New Zealand Series

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11. Shubman Gill will lead the side.

Veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the squad and are expected to anchor the batting line-up. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has also earned a place, while India have opted for two wicketkeepers, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.

Hardik Pandya Omitted, Workload Managed

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been left out of the squad, with the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence not clearing him to bowl the full quota of 10 overs. According to a BCCI media advisory, his workload is being carefully managed ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who impressed during India’s ODI series against South Africa last year, also misses out this time.

India’s Spin and Pace Combination

India’s spin department features Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, while the pace attack includes Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. Seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been added to provide depth.

India ODI Squad vs New Zealand

India’s ODI squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Inputs from agencies