Veteran New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka is in doubt after he sustained a calf injury.
The 34-year-old fast bowler suffered
the injury while playing for Desert Vipers in the ILT20 league match against MI Emirates in Dubai on December 21. Subsequently, he was ruled out for the remainder of the ILT20, with England’s Sam Curran taking over the leadership role.
Additionally, Ferguson has been sidelined from the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 tournament, raising further concerns about his availability for the upcoming ICC tournament. Ferguson was expected to participate in the five-match T20I series against India leading up to the World Cup.
However, with Ferguson still recuperating and New Zealand already without Will O’Rourke due to a back injury, their fast-bowling options appear significantly weakened.
Latest New Zealand Squad
Though New Zealand’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka has not yet been announced, the Black Caps have revealed their team for the five-match T20I series against India.
Mitchell Santner will captain the T20I side as he continues his return from injury, while Michael Bracewell has been named captain for the ODI series. Several senior players are making their return across both formats, accompanied by emerging talents who have been rewarded for their strong recent performances.
These include Jayden Lennox, Kristian Clarke, Bevon Jacobs, Tim Robinson, and Michael Rae, who made his debut in the second Test against the West Indies. Kyle Jamieson is set to feature in both formats following his recovery, with Mark Chapman and Matt Henry returning in the T20Is.
NZ’s T20I Squad Vs India:
Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi
(With inputs from Agencies)
