NEW DELHI: New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been announced as the new captain of the Desert Vipers for the upcoming season of the ILT20.
The 33-year-old pacer takes the reins from compatriot Colin Munro, who successfully led the team in its inaugural seasons, including a runner-up finish in the first edition.
Expressing his excitement on his new role, Ferguson said, “I feel honoured to be asked and excited to take on the challenge with this group. It is great to see bowlers getting captaincy roles, and more leadership roles too. Also, I am very excited to sign on with the Vipers for the next two years. I have heard a lot about the tournament, obviously it is a pretty cool place to play cricket, and I have some fond memories playing there (UAE) myself, including the IPL when it was there. So I am looking forward to joining the group in a few short weeks.”
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Ferguson has signed a two-year deal with the Vipers, adding experience and firepower to their squad.
An experienced campaigner with 65 ODIs, 43 T20Is, and stints in top leagues like the IPL, Big Bash League, and The Hundred, Ferguson brings global cricketing expertise to the team.
Reflecting on his captaincy approach, he said, “I captained New Zealand in 2023 and I had a great time in Bangladesh with a young team and sort of just fell into the role naturally being one of the elder statesmen of the squad. I think certainly from a bowling standpoint, I have learned from the likes of Tim Southee, and Hardik Pandya in the IPL, about what works best for a bowler. What do they like to hear from a captain? What kind of conversations are best to have when the pressure is on?”
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“Also, I like to think I can bring some understanding that it is T20 cricket, so you are going to get hit from a good ball and that is ok as long as you are executing. And even if you do not execute, it is still fine. That is part of the game and why it is so exciting. So I like to think those conversations are part of my strength, obviously being a bowler and sort of understanding those moments,” the pacer added.
Ferguson also emphasized the importance of player independence, encouraging teammates to take ownership of their roles. “And I think if I reflect on my career so far, those are the T20 games and tournaments that I have really enjoyed, where the team has had that approach. But also, those tournaments tended to be the ones where we went further and made finals and potentially won,” he added.
“If at times there are conversations that need to be had, for sure, there are no issues from me with that.”
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Despite a minor calf injury last month, Ferguson assured fans of his fitness ahead of the tournament. He credited New Zealand’s physio team for helping him recover in time.
When asked about his goals for the upcoming season, Ferguson’s confidence was palpable. “One hundred per cent yes! It is as believable as anything. Look at our squad. It is extremely strong, but you also must look at the support staff in and around the group and the passion that those guys have and the knowledge they have to win T20 cricket,” he said.
The Desert Vipers’ first game is scheduled for January 12 in Abu Dhabi, where Ferguson will debut as captain, aiming to lead his team to glory.
