“Unfortunately, I didn’t fit into the retentions” – Lockie Ferguson breaks silence on being released by RCB ahead of IPL 2025 [Exclusive]

New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson admitted that Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) victory in IPL 2025 brought mixed emotions. Having represented Punjab Kings (PBKS) during the season, Ferguson was previously part of RCB’s setup in the 2024 season, but his stay with the franchise was cut short for reasons the pacer regards as 'part and parcel' of franchise leagues.

In an exclusive interview with CricTracker, the Kiwi pacer highlighted RCB’s dressing room culture, praising the consistency and communication of leaders like Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, and Andy Flower (head coach). Ferguson expressed admiration for RCB’s performance and said he cherished the memories and experiences gained during his stint with the side.

Excerpts from the interview

IPL 2025 was capped off by RCB lifting the trophy after 17 years; a special feeling for their fans. How did watching that final feel from a rival’s perspective?

Mixed emotions, probably. Obviously, I was part of the Punjab Kings, so more than anything, I wanted them to get across the line. But at the same time, the year before, I was with RCB, too. So I've made a lot of friends in and amongst that group as well. So I guess from a PBKS' perspective, I was disappointed. The guys fought so hard through that tournament, really punched above their weight throughout and created an awesome family and probably turned the perception on Punjab from previous years. So unfortunate not to quite get across the line in the final, but at the same time, it's an exciting prospect. And then, as I said, I was playing with RCB the year before and we got to the playoffs. From that perspective, had a lot of mates from that side and was happy for them to get the first one.

You were part of RCB's 2024 squad that qualified for the knockouts. Can you share what the dressing room culture at RCB was like?

Yeah, again, as I said before, just the consistency of the emotions. I think it's very difficult, particularly IPL, which is a high pressure environment. And when you have had a tough start like we did that season, it can be quite easy to capitulate and burn out towards the back end of the tournament. So going from the bottom, having been written off to getting to the finals, I think was an amazing achievement.

I think the consistency with all the leaders in the group, Andy, Faf as captain, and Virat Kohli, the communication was the same, and the belief was still there. We felt that if we could turn it around one game, then maybe we'd get on a bit of a run, and we did. So it was exciting from that point of view. Unfortunately, it didn't keep going all the way to the final, but at the same time, a lot of good memories there.

You’ve played for RCB in IPL 2024. Have you received any messages from Virat Kohli or any member of the team management after you were released ahead of the Mega Auction?

Yeah, they were great. Mo (Bobat, RCB's director of cricket) and Andy [Flower] had a call with me. Obviously, there was a big auction for the IPL, so you can't retain everyone, but their communication was great. They thanked me for what was a great season, and unfortunately, didn't fit into the retentions, which is part and parcel of franchise cricket and completely understandable. Again, I'm with Andy right now, so nice to continue some good memories, and it'd be lovely if we went a step further with the Trent Rockets, than we did that year with RCB.