South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has offered reassurance after suffering a head injury during Delhi Capitals’ match against Punjab Kings in the ongoing IPL. After the scare, the pacer said he is “all good” as he addressed fans’ concerns on Instagram on Sunday.
At a glance
- Lungi Ngidi sustained a head injury during the Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings game at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
- He posted an update on Instagram, telling supporters, “Thank you for the messages, all good.”
- Ngidi was discharged from BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi.
- Delhi Capitals missed him after he was stretchered off the field following the fall while attempting a catch.
- Punjab Kings chased 265 in an all-time record pursuit, with KL Rahul’s 152* and a 126-run opening partnership plus a 71* from Shreyas Iyer.
Ngidi, who had gone through a frightening on-field moment on Saturday afternoon, took to his social media to thank supporters for their messages. His first public response came as a calm update on the back of the incident, easing fears around his condition.
The quick turnaround came after the pacer was taken to hospital following the injury at Arun Jaitley Stadium. He faced a heavy landing on the back of his head and neck, and doctors assessed him at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital.
Delhi Capitals’ chairman and co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi visited the hospital to meet Ngidi. The team’s senior management interaction underlined how closely the franchise was monitoring the bowler’s recovery.
While Ngidi was getting medical attention, Punjab Kings made the day a memorable one at the venue. Despite KL Rahul’s record-setting 152* for the chasing side, PBKS also benefited from a sensational 126-run stand between openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, before captain Shreyas Iyer struck a hard-hitting 71*.
That combination helped Punjab Kings complete an all-time record chase of 265 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, overcoming Delhi’s bowling efforts in a high-scoring thriller. For DC, it was a difficult outing with the ball, and the injury to Ngidi only added to their problems.
The injury moment
The trouble began in the third over of Punjab Kings’ innings, bowled by Axar Patel, when Ngidi went for a catch off a lofted shot from Priyansh Arya. He tracked the ball while back-pedalling, but the attempt never looked fully under control as he stretched backwards.
Ngidi landed heavily on his head during the fall, which led to a worrying stoppage. Play was halted for more than 10 minutes, and spin all-rounder Vipraj Nigam was brought in as a concussion substitute.
After the incident, the IPL shared an update stating that Ngidi was “stable” and was due to be discharged from the hospital on the day of the posting. The league’s information helped provide clarity while the bowler underwent observation.
Venugopal also addressed the concern during the post-match press conference, saying, “Still, I think it is not serious. We will update, but nothing serious.” His comments aligned with the later development that Ngidi was discharged from hospital.
Ngidi has been an important member of Delhi’s bowling group this season. He has taken seven wickets in seven matches at an average of 29.42, striking at an economy rate of 8.70, with best figures of 3/27.
