Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel said on Monday that Lungi Ngidi is fit to return after recovering from a head injury picked up during the side’s match at home against Punjab Kings on April 25. Ngidi’s setback had forced him to leave the field on a stretcher, with the pacer later requiring hospitalisation following the incident.
Ngidi’s injury and recovery timeline
- The incident occurred in the third over of Punjab Kings’ innings, when Ngidi was fielding behind the play and Axar Patel delivered the ball.
- Ngidi attempted to take a catch off a shot played by Priyansh Arya, but he lost full control while moving back to track the ball.
- He stretched to make contact, could not get a touch, and then fell, landing on his head.
- Play was halted for more than ten minutes, and Vipraj Nigam was brought in as a concussion substitute.
- Patel later clarified that Ngidi missed matches due to the mandatory recovery window, rather than any lack of fitness.
“Everyone is fit. Lungi is fit. He didn’t play two games because of the criterion of six days’ rest,” Patel said ahead of Delhi Capitals’ match against Chennai Super Kings.
Patel also indicated that Ngidi’s return will add depth to Delhi’s bowling options. In addition, Mitchell Starc has joined the squad and played his opening match of the season against Rajasthan Royals.
Starc’s impact and Delhi’s bowling approach
In the April 25 game versus Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals were not able to defend a total of 264, which ultimately became a record chase. Patel suggested that Starc’s arrival can help the team in crucial phases, especially early in innings.
“When there is a wicket-taking bowler in the PowerPlay, the whole scenario changes. 220 or 230 is being chased because you are not able to take wickets in the PowerPlay,” Patel said. “When the main bowler is there and takes a few wickets in the PowerPlay, it makes a big difference. Bowling in partnerships was missing, but that has been added now.”
Selection explanation: David Miller’s absence
Patel also addressed why David Miller was not included in the playing XI for the previous match. He explained the overseas player limits and the need to balance roles in the batting order.
“You can only fit in four foreigners in the XI. Sahil was injured, so we needed an opener and we thought of giving Pathum another chance. We had to play two overseas fast bowlers. So only one between Pathum and Miller could play. We went with Pathum because an opener was required,” Patel said.
