Kolkata Knight Riders to miss the services of Lockie Ferguson at the start of IPL 2023

Xtra Time Web Desk: Two times former IPL champions KKR received further setback ahead of the start of IPL 2023 season as New Zealand pacer Lockie Fergusson is doubtful for the first few matches due to a hamstring injury. The BlackCaps pacer recently injured his hammy after a first class game for Auckland. He is also ruled out of the first ODI against Sri Lanka on Saturday (March 25).

The news of Fergusson is a further setback for the Knights as they are already set to miss their captain Shreyas Iyer for the first half of IPL 2023. Iyer is troubled with a recurring back issue.

Knight Riders are heavily banking on Lockie’s all-round skills. He was part of the last season’s champions Gujarat Titans. The burly all-rounder has the knack of bowling in the powerplay as well as death overs.

The BlackCaps pacer had a productive IPL 2022 season with Gujarat Titans, picking 12 wickets in 14 matches. He also bowled the fastest delivery of last season clocking 157.3 kmph.

Fergusson’s injury is going to be a huge blow for the Knight Riders at least for the first few matches of IPL 2023.