Kings of the Punjab They were forced to make a late change to the playing XI for the 55th Match Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Capitals of Delhi at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. The New Zealand star missed the crucial encounter due to a minor injury concern, prompting PBKS to hand the Australian left-arm seamer his IPL debut. Ben Dwarshuis.
The Delhi Capitals captain saw a high-priced contest Akhar Patel Win the toss and bowl first, with both sides making a few changes to their lineups as the playoff race heats up.
Why isn’t Lockie Ferguson playing today?
Captain of Punjab Kings Shreyas Iyer revealed in the shot Loki Ferguson was unavailable due to a “bit of madness”. Although the franchise did not disclose the exact nature of the injury, the management chose not to risk their first fast bowlers ahead of the tournament’s conclusion.
“Ben Dwarshuis replaces Lockie Ferguson, who is a bit undersized” Iyer said during the shooting presentation.
Ferguson has been an important part of the PBKS bowling attack this season, with his raw pace and ability to hit through the middle. His absence is certainly a setback for Punjab, especially on a Dharamsala surface that often offers bounce and movement for fast bowlers. However, the franchise will be hoping that the injury is just a backup and does not keep the Kiwi speedster out for long in the crucial final phase of IPL 2026.
Ben Dwarshuis presented his first 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 fast bowler has built a strong reputation in franchise cricket around the world, especially in Australia. Big Bash Leaguewhere he consistently impressed with his variations and death bowling skills.
The inclusion of Dwarshuis adds variety to the PBKS bowling division, which already has the likes of it. Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal. Should Ferguson’s injury require more rest, the Australian will be eager to strike immediately and cement his place in the side.
Delhi Capitals make five changes
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals made a big change in game 11 after struggling for consistency this season. Captain Axar confirmed that the side has made five changes to revive their campaign.
“There are five changes, so Abhishek Porel plays, Sahil Parakh plays, David Miller plays, Auqib Nabi plays and Madhav Tiwari plays” Akhar said during the shooting.
Introducing the seasoned South African pastry David Miller And the youngsters are expected to strengthen Delhi’s middle order Beach Parax and Madhav Tiwari given valuable opportunities in the pressure game.
Also READ: Krunal Pandya reveals ultimate goal after RCB vs MI clash winning heroics in IPL 2026
Both sides play 11
Capitals of Delhi: KL Rahul (wk), Abhishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Madhav Tiwari, Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi Dar, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi.
Kings of Punjab: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Shedge, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Ben Dwarshuis, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Also WATCH: IPL 2026 – Arshdeep Singh and Samreen Kaur spotted together in Dharamsala ahead of PBKS vs DC match
