India, Kohli, Gill In Trouble As New Zealand Recall Their Tormentor For Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand’s tearaway quick Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy, starting February 19, due to a foot injury. The Black Caps have named Kyle Jamieson as his replacement.

“Ferguson felt some pain in his right foot after bowling a spell in the informal warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday and an initial medical assessment indicated he would not be fit enough to take part in the entire tournament,” stated a press release from New Zealand Cricket.

“Given the proximity to the start of the Champions Trophy and the short nature of the tournament, the decision was made to send Ferguson home to begin rehabilitation.”

Jamieson, who last played an ODI in September 2023, returned to domestic cricket for the Canterbury Kings in the Super Smash in December, following a 10-month stint on the sideline rehabilitating a stress fracture in his back.

The tall paceman played a key role as the Kings reached the final, finishing as the competition’s joint second-leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets. 

“We’re really disappointed for Lockie. Lockie is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event. We wish him well for his recovery and hope he is back firing soon,” said New Zealand coach Gary Stead.

Overall, Jamieson has 14 wickets in 13 ODIs at an average of 36.50 and an economy rate of just over 5. He also has 83 runs in six innings at an average of 20.75 and is more than a handy batter down the order.

“Kyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan. He’s shown since returning in the Super Smash how effective he can be in the shorter forms of the game, and he’s bowled with real pace and energy which is what you’re looking for from a pace bowler, especially at a pinnacle event.

“We’ve been pleased with the progress he’s made since returning and we feel his loading over the past few weeks and his successful spells in the recent Ford Trophy matches mean he will be good to go if required in the tournament.”

New Zealand will be involved in the tournament opener against hosts Pakistan on February 19 in Karachi. They will play Bangladesh on February 24 before taking on India on March 2. 

Jamieson has impressive numbers against some of the Indian batters in Test cricket. The seamer has dismissed Virat Kohli three times and Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant two times. Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja have also fallen to Jamieson in red-ball cricket.

New Zealand squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young