Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out of Remaining T20Is
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 International series against India after scans confirmed a low-grade tear in his right calf.
New Zealand Cricket announced the development on October 29, 2026, confirming that Ferguson would miss the final two matches of the five-game series. The pacer is expected to require approximately another week of recovery before returning to action.
The injury occurred during the second T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Ferguson experienced pain in his right calf, prompting further medical assessment and scans.
Matt Fisher Named as Replacement
New Zealand have added fast bowler Matt Fisher to the squad for the remainder of the series in place of Ferguson.
Fisher had already joined the T20I squad as bowling cover before being confirmed as Ferguson’s replacement. He will provide another pace option as the Black Caps attempt to finish the series strongly.
Ferguson’s absence is a setback for New Zealand’s bowling plans, particularly with two matches remaining. The team management will need to adjust its pace-bowling combination for the upcoming fixtures.
Matt Henry Also Ruled Out
Ferguson is not the only New Zealand fast bowler to suffer an injury during the series. Matt Henry has also been ruled out of the remaining T20Is after scans confirmed a low-grade tear in his right quadriceps.
Henry is expected to require one to two weeks of recovery. His workload had already been scheduled for management ahead of New Zealand’s upcoming ODI commitments, and the team remains hopeful that he can return for the 50-over series.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injuries but said the team was optimistic about both players’ prospects of returning for the ODIs, subject to recovery.
India Take an Unassailable 3–0 Lead
The injury setbacks come at a difficult time for New Zealand, who have already lost the five-match T20I series after India won the first three games.
India won the opening T20I by four wickets, repeated the result in the second match and secured a six-wicket victory in the third. The results gave India an unassailable 3–0 advantage with two matches still to play.
The fourth T20I is scheduled for October 30 at Eden Park in Auckland, followed by the fifth match on November 1 in Hamilton.
With the series already decided, New Zealand will aim to use the remaining fixtures to improve their performance and prepare for the upcoming ODI contests.
