In an alarming incident, Delhi Capitals' South African pacer Lungi Ngidi suffered a critical injury on the field and had to be taken away in an ambulance. The incident happened during Capitals' clash against Punjab Kings in Delhi on Saturday (April 25).
Chasing a historic target of 265, Punjab Kings' openers took off like a rocket before Priyansh Arya offered a tough chance off the bowling of skipper Axar Patel. Ngidi, fielding at mid-off, misjudged the skier horribly and landed with his head on the ground, also catching his neck awkwardly.
The impact was sudden and looked dangerous immediately. Ngidi was on the ground, motionless for a bit, before he started to respond to the team doctor's first aid treatment. However, it was evident that he would need to be hospitalised at the earliest.
The accident caused a lengthy delay in play as the ambulance arrived to take Ngidi off to the nearest possible hospital. The head injury, meaning an obvious concussion, allowed the Capitals to take a replacement. Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera replaced Ngidi for the game.
At the moment, it is difficult to put a finger on Ngidi's comeback timeline. He is certain to miss DC's next fixture against RCB at home on April 27. There is a three-day break after that game, following which they face an away game against RR in Jaipur on May 1.
Right now, that RR game also seems to be in doubt. After RR, DC then take on CSK at home on May 5. That game against the five-time champions may be a realistic target but all these are assumptions for now.
Concussion injuries can take up to a week or more but importantly, it's the neck that is the cause of concern. If there is a serious injury there, Ngidi's season might well have ended already. Remember, he has a part to play in South Africa's white-ball plans as well.