Lockie Ferguson ruled out of remainder of T20I series against India with right-calf injury

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against India on Thursday after scans confirmed a low-grade tear in his right calf sustained during the second T20I at Hagley Oval.

India lead the ongoing T20I series 3-0 after winning the first three matches, including a successful chase of 226 in the opening game, and their batters have consistently pressured New Zealand’s bowling attack; the hosts will look to improve in the fourth T20I at Eden Park in Auckland in front of their home crowd.

Ferguson felt pain in his right calf during the second T20I at Hagley Oval and subsequent scans confirmed a low-grade tear, prompting New Zealand Cricket to announce he would miss the remainder of the series; he is expected to need around another week to recover before returning to action and is expected to be fit for the ODI series.

Matt Fisher has been named as Ferguson’s replacement for the final two T20Is. Fisher featured in the third match and will remain with the New Zealand squad for the remaining fixtures.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injuries to Ferguson and Matt Henry, saying: "We’re gutted for Lockie and Matt," Walter said in a release. "Injuries are part and parcel of international cricket, but it doesn’t make it any easier when you have to miss games."

The fourth T20I is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland, and New Zealand will aim to finish the T20I series on a positive note before shifting their focus to the upcoming ODI series against India.