Express pace bowlers who terrorise batters with raw speed remain precious commodities. Lockie Ferguson brings exactly that frightening pace to any team. The New Zealand speedster has destroyed batting lineups across global leagues. His bruising pace and bounce make him nearly unplayable sometimes. This season continues his journey through Indian cricket’s biggest league.
Lockie Ferguson: New Zealand’s Speed Merchant
Lockie Ferguson broke through Auckland cricket impressively during the 2014-15 season. He grabbed 21 wickets at an average of 23.38 that year. The following season brought 31 wickets showing his consistency clearly. Four seasons produced 117 wickets total for Auckland overall.
New Zealand picked him for ODIs in December 2016 suddenly. Adam Milne’s injury opened that door for him fortunately. His debut came in Sydney against Australia memorably there. He dismissed David Warner in his very first over.
The 2019 World Cup became his global showcase brilliantly displayed. He grabbed 21 wickets throughout that tournament in England. That made him the second-highest wicket-taker competing there overall. Average under 20 and economy 4.88 seemed absolutely brilliant.
His IPL Price Details
IPL team Punjab Kings bought Lockie Ferguson at the previous auction proceedings. They paid ₹2 crore to secure his express pace. This IPL salary reflects his proven international credentials clearly. The amount stayed at ₹2 crore for 2026 retention.
Quality overseas fast bowlers command reasonable prices in auctions. His IPL price also considers World Cup heroics achieved earlier. Managements invest in match-winners who deliver crucial breakthroughs.
His IPL Team Journey
Lockie Ferguson joins the Punjab Kings for the 2026 season ahead. His IPL team reached the finals in 2025, losing heartbreakingly. He previously played for KKR, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Gujarat Titans. Such experience across franchises teaches different approaches to T20 cricket.
His franchise expects him to destroy top orders with pace.
Devastating Pace Across Formats
Ferguson bowls fiercely quickly with right-arm action throughout. His pace and bounce create problems for batters everywhere. The UAE series against Pakistan in 2018 showcased his abilities. He took 11 wickets in three ODIs remarkably there.
That average of 12.8 seems almost impossible to believe. The Sri Lanka series brought six wickets in two games. Such performances make him invaluable to New Zealand. Test debut came against Australia in Perth unfortunately briefly.
Calf strain ended his Test on day one sadly. Injuries have troubled him occasionally throughout his career frustratingly.
