Former Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has urged Punjab Kings to play Lockie Ferguson in place of Xavier Bartlett after they suffered a six-wicket loss against Mumbai Indians at Dharamshala on Thursday. 

Bartlett was given the final over by Shreyas Iyer when Mumbai Indians needed 15 runs to win, but the Australian could not defend it.

The right-arm seamer conceded 53 runs in 3.5 overs he bowled against MI and also went wicketless. Bartlett has scalped five wickets in nine matches of the ongoing IPL 2026 at an average of 77.60 and an economy rate of 11.58. Thus, he has failed to deliver the goods for the Mohali-based franchise.

Pujara said Bartlett can bowl in the Powerplay overs but not at the death whereas Ferguson would be able to play both roles.

“The path is tough, but not impossible. The way Punjab played in the first seven matches, they registered six wins, and the one game against KKR that didn’t get completed because of rain, their performance was good there as well. So this is not a bad team,” Pujara said on JioHotstar.

“Their bowling is definitely weak, but can they convert that into a strength? Can they make tactical changes? I feel Lockie Ferguson, because Bartlett isn’t giving you that option. We have seen today that he can bowl in the Powerplay, but not in the death overs. So they can bring in Lockie Ferguson in his place,” he added.

Pujara added that PBKS can also consider adding Harpreet Brar in their playing XI. Brar has played a solitary match in the ongoing season, in which he returned with figures of 0-25 in his four overs.

“The next match is a day game against RCB. They can even play two spinners there. Can Harpreet Brar be brought into the team? Punjab can make these few changes in their team. The journey is looking impossible, but it isn’t impossible, although it’s slightly difficult for sure,” he observed.

Punjab Kings will next take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Dharamshala on Sunday.