Punjab Kings were forced to make a late change to their playing XI for Match 55 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. Star New Zealand pacer missed the crucial encounter due to a minor injury concern, prompting PBKS to hand an IPL debut to Australian left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis.

The high-stakes contest saw Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel win the toss and opt to bowl first, with both sides making several changes to their lineups as the playoff race intensifies.

Why Lockie Ferguson is not playing today?

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer revealed at the toss that Lockie Ferguson was unavailable because of a “slight niggle.” While the franchise did not disclose the exact nature of the injury, the management chose not to risk their premier fast bowler ahead of the business end of the tournament.

“Ben Dwarshuis comes in place of Lockie Ferguson, who has a slight niggle,” Iyer said during the toss presentation.

Ferguson has been an important part of PBKS’ bowling attack this season with his raw pace and ability to strike in the middle overs. His absence is undoubtedly a setback for Punjab, especially on a Dharamsala surface that often offers bounce and movement for fast bowlers. However, the franchise will be hopeful that the injury is only precautionary and does not keep the Kiwi speedster out for long during the crucial final phase of IPL 2026.

Ben Dwarshuis handed maiden IPL opportunity

With Ferguson sidelined, Punjab Kings turned to Australian pacer Dwarshuis, who made his IPL debut in the clash against Delhi Capitals. The left-arm quick has built a strong reputation in franchise cricket around the world, particularly in Australia’s Big Bash League, where he has consistently impressed with his variations and death bowling skills.

Dwarshuis’ inclusion adds variety to the PBKS bowling unit, which already features the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal. The Australian will be eager to make an immediate impact and cement his place in the side if Ferguson’s injury requires further rest.

Delhi Capitals make five changes

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals made a massive overhaul to their playing XI after struggling for consistency this season. Captain Axar confirmed that the side had made five changes in a bid to revive their campaign.

“There are five changes, so Abhishek Porel, Sahil Parakh is playing, David Miller is playing, Auqib Nabi is playing, and Madhav Tiwari is playing,” Axar said at the toss.

The inclusion of experienced South African batter David Miller is expected to strengthen Delhi’s middle order, while youngsters Sahil Parakh and Madhav Tiwari were handed valuable opportunities in a pressure game.

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Playing XIs of both sides

Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wk), Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Madhav Tiwari, Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi Dar, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi.

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Shedge, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Ben Dwarshuis, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

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