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Lungi Ngidi return timeline revealed [Source: AP]
The Delhi Capitals received a huge blow in the IPL 2026 match against the Punjab Kings when their star pacer, Lungi Ngidi, suffered a horrific head injury and was taken off in an ambulance to the hospital. The franchise certainly missed his impact with the ball as they suffered a crushing defeat at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.
The 30-year-old fast bowler suffered a freak injury during Punjab Kings’ batting when he tumbled down while attempting a catch. Priyansh Arya miscued a shot as Ngidi misjudged the ball, lost his balance, and hit headfirst on the ground.
The South African bowler was unconscious for a while before the medical team arrived on the ground, and they took him to the hospital.
Fresh update arrives on Ngidi's IPL 2026 participation
Ngidi was ruled out of the DC Vs RCB IPL 2026 match, and Cricbuzz has released a fresh update on his comeback in the tournament. According to the report, Ngidi will miss two DC matches- Vs RCB on Monday, and against the Rajasthan Royals on May 1.
He is expected to be back for the home game against the Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday, May 5 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
According to the ICC rules, any player who suffers a concussion (which Ngidi did against PBKS), must not play a game for the next seven days, and it has been understood that the DC pacer has been asked to do the same and take proper rest.
The DC pacer was discharged from the hospital on the same evening after scans revealed no serious injury had occurred.
Also Read: DC vs RCB Toss: No Lungi Ngidi, Phil Salt Out As Rajat Patidar Wins Crucial Toss
Who replaced Ngidi in DC Vs RCB IPL match?
Had Ngidi been available for the match, he would have been the guaranteed starter in the IPL match vs RCB. However, with the Proteas pacer ruled out for the next two games, the franchise made a forced change in their playing XI.
Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera, who couldn’t replace Ngidi in the last match, was introduced as his replacement against the defending IPL champions.
Chameera has similar traits, as the pacer is tall, and he uses his height to advantage by bowling the hit-the-deck-line that constantly troubles the batters.
DC's overseas pace-bowling problem continues
Even before the start of the IPL 2026, DC’s overseas pace-bowling problem started. Mitch Starc, who was DC’s best pacer, last season, was not given the NOC by Cricket Australia to play in the marquee league, and moreover, he was nursing an injury that delayed his arrival.
In his absence, Ngidi was preferred as the first-choice pacer, and he started the IPL 2026 on the right note. He featured in seven IPL matches this season, and the right-armer plucked 7 wickets, with an economy of 8.70.
Interestingly, Starc has joined the Capitals, but he has only been given the NOC to play in the IPL from May 1, and he is likely to play in the next DC match against the Royals.
Also Read: Who Is Sahil Parakh? DC’s Latest IPL Debutant, Best Known For His Heroics In MPL 2025 Final
