Delhi Capitals Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao has downplayed the severity of Lungi Ngidi’s head injury after the South African pacer was hurt during the IPL clash against Punjab Kings. Ngidi was taken off the field in an ambulance and later assessed at Max Hospital in Karol Bagh for tests, but Rao insisted the incident was “not serious” while also stressing that player safety would always come first.
Incident during Punjab Kings chase
Rao’s comments came after the match, following a tense stoppage during Punjab Kings’ run chase. In the third over of the pursuit, Ngidi went down hard while attempting to make a catch of Priyansh Arya at mid-off. As he fell backwards, his head struck the ground.
- Ngidi immediately clutched his head and remained on the turf as the support staff rushed in.
- Play was suspended for 15 minutes before he was stretchered into an ambulance.
- Players, coaches, and the medical team all appeared visibly concerned during the delay.
DC chief clarifies injury update and concussion confusion
After the game ended, Rao said Ngidi was still in hospital and that DC would provide updates, while maintaining that there was no cause for alarm at that stage.
“Still, I think it is not serious. He is still in the hospital. We will update, but nothing serious,” Rao said.
The DC hierarchy also addressed the confusion surrounding the concussion substitution process. Dushmantha Chameera was initially named for the replacement role, before Vipraj Nigam came in later.
Rao clarified the overseas-player constraint at the heart of the issue: “Only four overseas players are allowed. There is a rule. We cannot take a fifth overseas player. Simple.”
Rao further underlined that the team’s priorities were not tied to the match outcome.
“First of all, player safety is always important. Whatever happens, we play this game, but safety comes first. When we see this kind of scoreboard, we missed his 24 balls, four overs, it makes a difference. We hope Lungi Ngidi recovers fast and comes back. I cannot comment on more right now.”
Other reactions and DC’s next-team news
Punjab Kings leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also voiced concern for Ngidi. Speaking after the match, he said head injuries are especially risky and hoped the fast bowler would recover quickly.
- Chahal said it “feels bad” when anyone suffers an injury, particularly involving the head.
- He added that he was previously watching from the stands, but the situation still felt worrying.
- Chahal referenced another incident from the previous day involving a net bowler being hit by a ball and taken to hospital, saying such episodes leave everyone concerned.
- His message was clear: he wanted Ngidi to get well soon and return to the ground.
Rao also confirmed Mitchell Starc’s availability for Delhi Capitals from May 1. He said Cricket Australia had provided a report and that Starc would be available for selection from that date, with DC planning to review the final combination.
“Cricket Australia has given a report. From 1st May onwards, he is available. We will wait and see the combination,” Rao said.
Match context: DC’s 264/2 and Punjab Kings’ record chase
With Ngidi sidelined after the injury, Delhi Capitals were unable to defend their total of 264/2. The score had been built after KL Rahul produced an unbeaten 152, anchoring the innings for DC.
- Delhi Capitals: 264/2 (driven by KL Rahul’s 152 not out).
- Punjab Kings chased it down with seven balls remaining.
- The successful chase was the highest in IPL history.
As the match concluded, the focus remained on Ngidi’s condition, with DC and Punjab Kings players and staff all wishing him a speedy recovery.
