Lockie Ferguson Ready to Shine at T20 World Cup
New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson has firmly dismissed any rumors regarding his retirement, asserting that he feels he is still one of the best players and is fully prepared for the upcoming T20 World Cup. At a recent press conference, he expressed his confidence, saying, "I still feel fit, I still feel like I’m contributing." Ferguson emphasized that he will consider retirement only when he feels he’s no longer making an impact on the game.
Currently, Ferguson is in India to participate in a five-match T20I series, which he views as an ideal opportunity to prepare for the World Cup scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 7. "It’s literally perfect prep," he remarked, highlighting that the experience gained from playing in Indian conditions will be invaluable for the Kiwis. The team’s first match in the World Cup will be against Afghanistan on February 8, followed by a clash with the UAE on February 10, both held in Chennai.
Ferguson’s training in India will help him acclimate to local conditions, including factors like dew, which can significantly affect gameplay. He mentioned, "I know they’re not the grounds potentially we’ll play, but just the experience at the time, whether there’s dew factor or condition factor, it’s nice to get on the turf." This preparation is crucial as India is regarded as one of the top teams in the world, especially in their home conditions.
Despite facing recent challenges, including a calf injury sustained during an ILT20 match in the UAE, Ferguson has been bowling at full tilt for the past week. He is also a part of the Punjab Kings roster for IPL 2026 and is looking forward to balancing his cricket commitments with family life, as he anticipates a short paternity leave around February 20, when his child is expected to arrive.
While he was not listed in an updated New Zealand squad recently, Ferguson remains hopeful about being involved in the series against India. He is eager to make a strong comeback after missing out on playing for the Kiwis last year due to injuries. His determination to contribute significantly to his team’s performance reflects his passion and commitment to the game.
