Lockie Ferguson Reflects on Injury During IPL 2025 Campaign
Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson has opened up about his injury during IPL 2025, just as he prepares for The Hundred 2025 with Trent Rockets. Ferguson played a key role in…
Early Life & Background
Lachlan Hammond “Lockie” Ferguson was born on 13 June 1991 in Auckland, New Zealand. His family, deeply involved in sports, nurtured his early passion for athletics. His father, Doug, and mother, Jan, played key roles in his development. He attended Auckland Grammar School, where he honed his fast-bowling skills. In 2008, he stood out in a national schools’ pace competition, earning the title of New Zealand’s fastest school bowler. These early successes laid the foundation for a career built on pace and athleticism.
Personal Traits & Lifestyle
Standing 6 ft 1 in (185 cm), Ferguson combines a natural build with a commitment to conditioning. He consistently bowls over 150 km/h, thanks to his strong training ethic. Off the field, he remains calm and focused. He avoids the limelight and prefers a low-key lifestyle, often traveling or playing golf. This blend of fiery on-field presence and composed demeanor off the field defines his professional image. He prioritizes both game performance and personal wellness.
Personal Life
Lockie is married to Emma Komocki, a physiotherapist who plays an essential role in his injury recovery and fitness routine. He maintains close relationships with his parents, Doug and Jan, and his elder brother, Mitch. Their support has been crucial through injuries and setbacks in his career. Although he occasionally shares glimpses of his personal life, he values privacy and prefers his cricket to speak louder than social media.
Youth & Domestic Career
Ferguson debuted in first-class cricket for Auckland in the 2010–11 season. Over the next few seasons, he grew into a strike bowler, taking 21 wickets at 23.38 in 2014–15. By November 2019, he had reached his 150th first-class wicket in the Plunket Shield. His best first-class figures stand at 7/34, with 11 five-wicket hauls and a ten-for, showcasing power and consistency. His domestic success earned him spots in New Zealand A and the national team.
International Career
Debut to Establishment (2016–2018)
Ferguson earned his ODI debut on 4 December 2016 against Australia and played his first T20I on 3 January 2017 versus Bangladesh. In that debut, he achieved a rare feat—two wickets with his first two T20I deliveries. His Test debut followed on 12 December 2019, although he went wicketless in Perth. Early in his international career, he was recognized for his pace and ability to trouble top batsmen.
Highlights
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2019 Cricket World Cup: Ferguson established himself as New Zealand’s premier fast bowler, taking 21 wickets in 9 matches and earning a spot in the ICC Team of the Tournament.
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His standout performance in the World Cup included 4/37 vs Afghanistan.
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T20I Milestone: In November 2020, Ferguson recorded his first five-wicket haul in T20Is, with figures of 5/21, becoming a feared death-over specialist.
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2024 Men’s T20 World Cup: Ferguson delivered a historic performance against Papua New Guinea, bowling four maidens and taking 3/0, marking a first in men’s T20 World Cup history.
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ODI Captaincy: Ferguson captained New Zealand ODI team in September 2023, leading them to a 2–0 series win against Bangladesh when senior players were rested.
IPL Career
Ferguson debuted in the IPL with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, later moving to Kolkata Knight Riders (2019–21), Gujarat Titans (2022), back to KKR in 2023, then Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2024, and was bought by Punjab Kings in 2025. In IPL 2022, he played a key role in Gujarat Titans’ title win, consistently clocking speeds of 157.3 km/h, the fastest in IPL history. His IPL tally spans 49 matches with 51 wickets, best of 4/28.
In IPL 2024, he took 9 wickets in 7 games for RCB but was released before the 2025 mega-auction, where Punjab signed him for ₹2 crore. However, injury struck early in IPL 2025, sidelining him after a serious leg issue in April, limiting his impact in Punjab’s campaign.
Fitness, Injuries & Comebacks
Ferguson’s explosive pace comes with injury risks. In early Feb 2025, he sustained a hamstring tear during the ILT20 in UAE, jeopardizing his inclusion in New Zealand’s Champions Trophy squad. Subsequently, a foot injury in Feb 2025 during a warm-up match ruled him out of the Champions Trophy. IPL 2025 saw him limp off after two deliveries, suffering his third injury since Nov 2024.
Despite repeated setbacks, Ferguson shows resilience. He consistently rebounds with targeted rehab under Emma’s guidance. Between injuries, he still reached 150 first-class wickets in Nov 2019 and produced historic T20 World Cup figures in 2024. His ability to return to high-performance levels underscores his strong work ethic and fitness discipline.