T20 World Cup 2026 jolt for New Zealand: Lockie Ferguson’s injury raises fitness doubts
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 21 December. He was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament following medical assessments and was forced to hand over the Desert Vipers captaincy duties to England all-rounder Sam Curran.
The injury turned out to be more serious than initially feared, with Ferguson also ruled out of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26, further complicating the recovery process.
New Zealand’s Pace Attack Under Pressure
Ferguson was expected to play a key role in New Zealand’s five-match T20I series against India ahead of the T20 World Cup. However, since his recovery is still ongoing, his availability remains uncertain.
Adding to New Zealand’s concerns, pacer Will O’Rourke was also left out of the squad due to a back injury, straining the team’s fast bowling resources at a crucial stage of the 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 rapid pace and after-the-death expertise, the right-arm quick has been a vital part of the white-ball setup over the years.
India Announces ODI Team for New Zealand Series
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand to be played from January 11. Shubman Gill will lead the team. Senior batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to return to the squad and make up the batting line-up. While young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal also earned a place, India opted for two wicketkeepers, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.
Hardik Pandya Released, Workload Managed
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was left out of the squad after the BCCI Center of Excellence did not allow him to fill the entire 10 overs quota. According to BCCI’s media advisory, his workload is being carefully managed ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was impressive in India’s ODI series against South Africa last year, is missing out this time too.
India’s Spin and Speed Combination
India’s spin department includes Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, while the pace attack includes Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. Bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was also 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.
Input from agencies
