Lockie Ferguson has yet again proved why he should be Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) first choice overseas fast bowler over Pat Cummins. Ferguson produced another impressive spell against Mumbai Indians (MI) to remove Ishan Kishan and Krunal Pandya in death overs. The two crucial wickets prevented MI from dominating in death overs.
Ferguson vs Cummins comparison
It is hard to digest that he was not given a chance in first leg of this season. Months later, in the UAE leg, Ferguson’s numbers have been outstanding so far with four wickets to his name from two games with an average of 12.75 and highly impressive economy rate of 6.37.
On the other hand, Cummins bagged nine wickets from seven games this season at an average of 26.33 and an economy rate of 8.83. The only argument in Cummins’ favour is that he bowled in different bowling conditions in India. There is a stark difference in the economy rate between the two.
What happened in 2020?
When the two bowlers bowled in same bowling conditions last season, Ferguson still emerged as the better pick. The Kiwi speedster was ignored early on but finished with six wickets from five games with an average of 24.66 and economy rate of 7.46. He also bowled the super over against SRH where he picked two wickets and gave just two runs. He was the reason why KKR was in contention to make it to the play offs till their last league match.
Cummins did not have a great season in UAE either. He picked just 12 wickets in 14 appearances despite bagging a four-wicket haul. He remained wicketless in several games and had an economy rate of 7.86 which is better compared to current season but at 34.08, his average is even worse.
What Cummins does better?
Cummins is a better batsman than Ferguson any day, there is no doubt about that. The 28-year-old went on an all out attack against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the first leg of IPL 2021. With his unbeaten 66, Cummins almost pulled off a near-impossible run chase. However, the main reason why KKR picked him in the side for a hefty about was his bowling prowess. On Ferguson, the team can only depend on an odd cameo or two in a season.
Cummins pulling out blessing in disguise?
From an outsider’s point of view, it felt like KKR picked Cummins in every match just because of his reputation in international cricket. At times, the Aussie's Rs 15.5 crore price tag seemed too high a price KKR paid by KKR. Comparing him with Ferguson, the Rs 1.6 crore price looks like a steal deal.
