Delhi Capitals have been dealt a blow as Lungi Ngidi has suffered a nasty neck injury while fielding during the Delhi Capitals game against Punjab Kings on Saturday. Such was the impact of the incident that he had to be carried off the field in an ambulance and was seen being completely immobile after having a scary fall that saw the back of his head bounce off the ground as he failed to take a catch.
Ngidi leaves the field in ambulance
The DC vs PBKS game was paused for a significant amount of time as the South African was being attended to by medical staff, the team’s physio and others, with players wearing concerned looks. The incident occurred in the third delivery of the 3rd over of the second innings as Axar Patel was bowling to Priyansh Arya.
The PBKS batter attempted a big hit towards mid-off, and Ngidi was seen running backwards to take a catch. However, the South African not only missed the catch but also had a nasty landing, following which he was down. While the physio and the doctors rushed out, an ambulance and a stretcher were out on the field in a little time, forcing the pacer to be carried off the field.
In stable condition
Ngidi was taken to Max Hospital in Karol Bagh for further scans. Upon reaching the hospital, he complained of neck pain and a headache, which indicates he suffered a concussion. Luckily, he’s stable and will be discharged soon.
“He was shifted to the hospital in an ambulance as he complained of a headache and neck pain. Ngidi is stable and is due to be discharged shortly from the hospital,” the IPL said in a statement.
Dushmantha Chameera initially took the field as his substitute and was replaced by Vipaj Nigam shortly. The pause in play due to Ngidi saw not just DC team officials rush out but also members of the PBKS team management rushing out to the middle to check the nature of the injury. DC coach Hemang Badai had a few words with the medical staff, where he was seemingly suggesting that a neck brace be put in place before Ngidi is carried off the field. The South African was yet to bowl in the game where DC have set a mammoth target of 265 runs.
Ngidi has featured in all 7 games that DC have played prior to the contest against PBKS and has picked up as many wickets at an economy rate of 8.70. He did well in the absence of veteran Mitchell Starc to spearhead the inexperienced DC pace attack. He was bought by DC for Rs 2 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
