Recovering Lungi Ngidi to miss at least two games

Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of action for Delhi Capitals' at least next two games, Cricbuzz can confirm. This includes the Monday game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home, and the one away against Rajasthan Royals on May 1.

The 30-year-old Ngidi suffered a freak fall on the field in the third over of DC's weekend fixture against Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and had to be rushed to a city hospital in an ambulance. The hosts were allowed a concussion sub in legspinner Vipraj Nigam. DC had initially brought on a more like-for-like option in Sri Lankan Dushmantha Chameera - among the five pre-declared subs - to take field. However, he was called off immediately since the four overseas players quota was met for DC with Ngidi taking the field.

The ICC mandates a mandatory seven-day stand-down for any player diagnosed with a concussion. Cricbuzz understands Ngidi has been asked to serve the same even though IPL 2026 Playing Conditions do not specify so explicitly. The South African had been discharged from the hospital same evening after the scans revealed no serious concerns.

This is the second major injury blow to Delhi's pace bowling unit after Mitchell Starc had to miss the first-half of the season pending Cricket Australia's fitness tests. Once cleared, Starc arrived in the city just ahead of the PBKS fixture but his participation was cleared only starting May 1, leaving Delhi's attack somewhat compromised for their games against the top-two sides. They did pick both their other overseas quicks - Kyle Jamieson and Dushmantha Chameera - for the game against RCB.

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