
A worrying on-field incident involving South African pacer Lungi Ngidi during an Indian Premier League clash between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings sparked concern among fans before the fast bowler reassured everyone that he is “all good.”
What did Ngidi say after the injury scare?
Ngidi broke his silence a day after the incident with a brief but reassuring message on Instagram.
“Thank you for the messages, all good,” Ngidi wrote in his first public reaction after the injury scare, easing concerns about his condition.
The incident took place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during Punjab Kings’ innings.
In the third over, bowled by Axar Patel, Ngidi attempted to take a catch off a lofted shot by Priyansh Arya. While back-pedalling, he appeared off-balance and failed to control the attempt.
He stretched backward but could not reach the ball, eventually landing heavily on the back of his head and neck. The impact led to immediate concern, with play halted for over 10 minutes as medical staff attended to him.
Ngidi was taken to BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital for evaluation following the fall.
The IPL later issued an update confirming that Ngidi was “stable and due to be discharged from the hospital today.”
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Delhi Capitals’ management also monitored the situation closely, with co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi visiting him at the hospital.
Speaking after the match, Venugopal offered a reassuring assessment of the injury.
“Still, I think it is not serious. We will update, but nothing serious,” he said.
Ngidi’s absence was felt immediately in what turned into a difficult outing for Delhi Capitals with the ball.
Punjab Kings pulled off a historic chase of 265, powered by standout performances from KL Rahul, who scored a record-breaking 152*, and a 126-run opening stand between Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya. Captain Shreyas Iyer added a blistering 71* to seal the chase.
Ngidi had to be stretchered off the field, and Vipraj Nigam was brought in as a concussion substitute.
Before the injury, Ngidi had been a key part of Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack.
He has taken seven wickets in seven matches, maintaining an average of 29.42, an economy rate of 8.70, and best figures of 3/27.
While the visuals of the fall were alarming, early updates suggest the injury is not serious. Ngidi’s own message has further reassured fans, though the team is likely to monitor him closely before his return to action.
(With inputs from ANI)