29 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : New Zealand have suffered another injury setback ahead of the remaining matches of their T20I series against India, with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson ruled out for the rest of the five-match series. New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Thursday, October 29, 2026, that Ferguson sustained a low-grade tear in his right calf during the second T20I against India at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
The injury is expected to keep the fast bowler out of action for approximately another week. Matt Fisher has been named as Ferguson’s replacement for the remainder of the series, strengthening New Zealand’s pace-bowling options for the final two matches.
The development comes at a difficult time for the hosts, who have already lost the series after India secured an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Ferguson Suffers Calf Injury
Ferguson experienced pain in his right calf during the second T20I against India on October 24. Following medical assessment and scans, New Zealand Cricket confirmed that the fast bowler had suffered a low-grade tear.
The injury means Ferguson will miss the fourth and fifth T20Is, scheduled to take place in Auckland and Hamilton on October 30 and November 1, respectively.
The team management will focus on his recovery ahead of New Zealand’s upcoming One Day International series against India, which begins on November 4. However, his participation in the ODI series will depend on his recovery and fitness.
Ferguson is an experienced member of New Zealand’s pace attack, known for his ability to generate speed and challenge batters with short-pitched deliveries and yorkers. His absence leaves the hosts with fewer experienced fast-bowling options for the final two T20Is.
Matt Fisher Replaces Ferguson
New Zealand Cricket has called up Matt Fisher to replace Ferguson for the remainder of the T20I series. Fisher had previously joined the squad as bowling cover and will now remain with the national team.
The selection gives New Zealand another pace option as they look to finish the series on a stronger note. The team management will assess its bowling combination before the remaining fixtures, taking into account player fitness, workload and the conditions at the venues.
New Zealand have several other pace bowlers available, including Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner. The final playing combination will depend on the team’s requirements and the condition of the available players.
Fisher’s inclusion is particularly important as New Zealand attempt to address the challenges posed by India’s aggressive batting throughout the series.
Matt Henry Also Sidelined
Ferguson is not the only New Zealand fast bowler dealing with an injury. Matt Henry has also been ruled out of the remaining T20Is after suffering a low-grade tear in his right quadriceps during the second match.
According to New Zealand Cricket, Henry is expected to require approximately one to two weeks of recovery. He had already been scheduled to sit out the remaining T20Is as part of a workload management plan ahead of the ODI series.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injuries but remained hopeful that both Ferguson and Henry would be available for the 50-over matches against India.
The fitness of the two experienced bowlers will be important for New Zealand as they prepare for a busy international schedule.
India Take Unassailable 3-0 Lead
India have dominated the opening three matches of the series, winning all three games to take an unassailable 3-0 lead.
India won the opening T20I in Christchurch by four wickets after successfully chasing a target of 226. The visitors then secured another four-wicket victory in the second match, chasing down 181.
The third T20I in Wellington proved even more challenging for New Zealand’s bowling attack. After scoring 198 for three in their 20 overs, the hosts saw India chase down the target of 199 in just 13.2 overs, winning by six wickets.
Abhishek Sharma delivered a remarkable performance in the third match, scoring 113 runs off only 38 balls to lead India’s successful chase.
With the series already decided, New Zealand will now aim to avoid a clean sweep in the remaining fixtures.
Fourth T20I Scheduled for Auckland
The fourth T20I between New Zealand and India will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30. The fifth and final match is scheduled for November 1 in Hamilton.
New Zealand will hope their revised bowling combination can deliver a stronger performance against India’s in-form batting lineup. India, meanwhile, will look to maintain their winning momentum and complete a clean sweep.
Ferguson’s absence is a setback for the hosts, but the team will focus on managing its available resources while preparing for the upcoming ODI series.