Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson upbeat for T20 World Cup 2026:New Zealand pacer says ‘We can win’; Desert Vipers captain eyes ILT20 title

Desert Vipers captain and New Zealand’s star fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is excited for the T20 World Cup. He spoke with Dainik Bhaskar during the fourth season of ILT20. He openly discussed the team’s chances of winning the title, the league’s special features, his favourite teammates, and the challenges of maintaining a speed of 150 kmph. Along with this, he also talked about the changes happening in New Zealand cricket, the emergence of young fast bowlers, and his team’s expectations in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Read all his questions and answers in this interview… How are Desert Vipers’ chances of winning the title looking this time?
Like every year, we have come with a very strong team this time too. Other teams’ squads are also quite strong. We focus on one match at a time. The start has been good and today is a big match against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The group atmosphere has been very good so far, I am quite excited. You’ve played almost all leagues around the world, including IPL and many others, what makes ILT20 special for you?
This is special for me because this is the only league where I am the captain. This is a matter of pride for me. This franchise takes very good care of players both on and off the field. Everything is very good, from hotels to support for families. We get a fun environment and enjoy playing cricket. All three venues in UAE are excellent and many big players come here, which makes the challenge exciting. Three players from your team that fans should pay special attention to this year?
Hetty (Shimron Hetmyer) is a very dangerous batters, it’s great playing with him. I’ve always been a big fan of Kazi (Khuzema Tanvir). He performed brilliantly last year and is looking even better this time. You already know many of our stars, but I see Kazi as one of our biggest stars this time. You are among the players who bowl at 150+ kmph speed. Why do we see fewer such fast bowlers these days?
These days, there is a lot of cricket being played, which makes it difficult to dedicate separate time to both skill and fitness. Bowling at 150 speed is not beneficial in all conditions. Now, bowling requires variations. In New Zealand, too, some fast bowlers are emerging, like Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, who bowl around 150. But maintaining such speed throughout the year is not easy. Bowlers like Mitchell Starc have been doing this, which is motivating. We also hope that more fast bowlers will emerge. Big bowlers like Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner have retired. Has this weakened New Zealand’s pace attack?
They have all been our great players. It’s not easy to replace such experienced bowlers. But New Zealand’s pace attack is still strong. Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry are all doing very well. We also have fast wickets that promote speed. So New Zealand’s future in fast bowling is quite good. How are New Zealand’s chances for the next T20 World Cup in Asia?
We are fully confident that we can win. All of us players play with this target. We now have more experience playing in Asia, especially due to leagues. Our group is challenging. Afghanistan, South Africa and Canada, but we are ready. India and Sri Lanka will also host wonderfully. We are excited and ready to perform well.