New Zealand speedster and Punjab Kings pacer Lockie Ferguson has opened up about his experience in the ongoing IPL 2025, highlighting the vital role played by Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer in shaping a strong team environment. He credited the duo’s leadership for the team’s early success and strong camaraderie.
“The performances have been good, but also I think that comes from the leadership we’ve had with Ricky and Shreyas,” Ferguson told ANI.
“Just from day one, you felt very much a part of the group. Everyone’s very positive, enjoying their cricket, but also enjoying time together off the field,” he added.
Ferguson emphasized how quickly bonding within a franchise can positively affect on-field performance.
“In franchise tournaments, in my experience, when a team gels together quickly, it often transfers onto the field,” he explained.
Praising the synergy between coach Ponting and captain Iyer, Ferguson said:
“You can see how well they work together and how aligned they are with their match strategies and the communication with the players. And I think from that brings a lot of clarity with how we want to play the game, which is a huge positive.”
He further lauded Iyer’s tactical ability, especially in managing pressure moments and guiding bowlers.
“He’s clearly had a lot of success as a skipper, and I think that that’s no fluke by any means,” Ferguson said.
“I’ve reflected on captains in the past and having captained myself a few times. I think the conversations that you have with bowlers in pressure situations kind of define a captain and how that leadership flows through,” he added.
“Shreyas has been great. He’s backed the plan every time. He’s asked good questions in moments of the game that make the bowlers think,” Ferguson shared.
Speaking about communication and confidence within the bowling unit, Ferguson noted:
“I’ve chatted with the other bowlers and everyone’s been really happy with the communication and the plans and I think from that point of view, you kind of feel a lot of confidence from him to try to perform at your best and I think he’s aware just as much as anyone in this competition that sometimes you’ll have good and bad days, but it’s often how you bounce back and I think with him leading the pack in that sense and his communication with the bowling attack, you know, it’s been great.”
Ferguson also praised his fellow Punjab Kings bowlers, especially Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh.
“I think I’ve worked with some of these boys before, Marco I’ve played with before. When you have a guy that tall bowling with such balance, it’s challenging in any part of the world,” said Ferguson.
“He’s a cricketer I’ve followed very closely the last few years and it’s impressive to see his growth as a bowler, his skill set’s outstanding and when the pressure’s on, you can see him really looking for the ball and wanting to stand up and I haven’t even mentioned his batting, but his batting’s come a long way. You’ve seen him score runs all over the world for South Africa and as well in the league, so, a huge positive for us,” he noted.
On Arshdeep, Ferguson was full of admiration:
“I’m really excited to join the team and see how Arshdeep goes about his training and how he prepares for matches. Because from my point of view, each year I seem to play against that guy,” he said.
“He’s an absolute wizard,” Ferguson added.
“He’s, again, so very hungry for the ball in those tough moments, which I think is crucial for any bowling attack.”
On Marcus Stoinis, Ferguson said:
“He’s had so much success and he’s such a calm character. So, he’s such a nice tie-in for our group,” he said.
“Obviously, an outstanding batter, but he offers, every day of the week, four overs for us if we need it.”
Switching focus to his international career, Ferguson reflected on New Zealand’s team culture:
“We’re a pretty humble bunch of cricketers but at the same time, we play a pretty competitive brand once we cross the line,” he explained.
He credited players like Boult, Southee, and Kane Williamson for mentoring him.
“So, you know, I think we’ve had a lot of great leaders within the group who sort of pushed players to really find their potential, me being one of them, for sure. And coming into a squad and learning off, you know, Trent Boult, Tim Southee,” he said.
“Having Kane as my skipper, it’s really sort of pushed my career along and given me that opportunity to grow and try to learn as quickly as possible,” Ferguson said.
“So, I was disappointed not to play a part in the Champions Trophy with an unfortunate injury but that’s just part of the gig,” he added.
Ferguson also expressed excitement about the next generation of Kiwi talent.
“We’ve got Rachin over here doing well. Will O’Rourke is going to be an outstanding bowler. His ceiling is so incredibly high,” Ferguson remarked.
On Kyle Jamieson’s return, Ferguson shared:
“Nice to see Kyle Jamieson, one of my good mates, back playing for New Zealand. And we all know how extremely talented and devastating he can be as a bowler. So, yeah, from a New Zealand standpoint, it’s really good space to be in. You know, obviously, I’m still really wanting to play for New Zealand as well. So I really enjoy my time back playing with that group. Obviously, love running into the boys on tours as well. So, yeah, hopefully, they’ll continue in this sort of trajectory as a team and keep punching above our weight,” he said.
Talking about the transition into a new IPL franchise, Ferguson noted the challenge and thrill:
“I’m very fortunate to have been doing it for a few years. So being a part of a new franchise is not that new to me,” he said.
“The longer you play, you tend to have a few more teammates that you’ve had in other teams,” he added.
“So I think, yeah, from my point of view, just try to turn up and try to add value as much as I can on and off the park. Try to buy into that team’s ethos but, you know, it’s very exciting and challenging and from my point of view, it continually makes me want to work harder to get better because sometimes when you play in the same team, you know, you’re under a little bit less pressure because you’ve been with that team for such a long period of time but when you join a new franchise, you know, it’s always a little bit nerve wracking the first few games trying to prove yourself in a way and try to be part of the team. I think every player will sort of say that’s kind of a natural feeling,” Ferguson said.
In closing, he spoke positively about the environment at Punjab Kings:
“I’ve been very privileged with the franchises I’ve been with and Punjab Kings has been no different,” he said.
“So, a really nice group to slot into and, you know, we’ve got a long way to go as a group,” he noted.
As the tournament continues, Ferguson remains optimistic and ready for the road ahead.