Lungi Ngidi ruled out for DC vs RCB and Rajasthan Royals under concussion protocol

Lungi Ngidi was absent from the Delhi Capitals line-up for their Indian Premier League 2026 encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The South African quick was not available, with the team also confirming he is set to miss DC’s subsequent fixture against Rajasthan Royals on May 1.

Ngidi ruled out and concussion protocol applied

1. Ngidi did not play for Delhi Capitals against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
2. He has also been ruled out of DC’s next match, which is scheduled against Rajasthan Royals on May 1.
3. The development follows a concussion-related stand-down requirement: the ICC framework calls for a mandatory seven-day recovery period for any player diagnosed with a concussion.
4. Even though IPL playing regulations do not spell out this specific concussion waiting period, Ngidi has been instructed to follow the same rule.
5. After undergoing scans, he was discharged from hospital later the same evening, with results indicating no serious issues.

What happened during the Punjab Kings match

The fast bowler’s latest setback traces back to an incident during Delhi Capitals’ match against Punjab Kings on Saturday, where he was taken to hospital following a serious on-field moment.

1. In the third over of Punjab Kings’ innings, Ngidi was involved in the phase when Axar Patel was bowling.
2. Ngidi went for a catch off a lofted delivery from Priyansh Arya.
3. He moved back to complete the take but did not finish the catch and instead stretched backwards without getting his fingers to the ball.
4. He then went down heavily, striking his head, which triggered a stoppage in play lasting more than 10 minutes.
5. Vipraj Nigam was brought in as a concussion substitute.
6. Ngidi was stretchered off the field and taken to hospital for scans to assess his condition.

Impact on Delhi Capitals’ pace stocks

This is the second injury blow to Delhi Capitals’ pace department. Earlier in the season, Mitchell Starc missed the initial phase of the campaign due to Cricket Australia fitness testing. Starc later rejoined the squad ahead of the Punjab Kings match but was only cleared to play from May 1.

For the match against RCB, Delhi Capitals named overseas pacers Kyle Jamieson and Dushmantha Chameera in their playing XI.