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Delhi Capitals’ star overseas pacer Lungi Ngidi suffered a neck injury and was rushed to hospital during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 25. Ngidi suffered concussion but was stable as he reached the hospital in just 11 minutes. After missing the game against his former franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as per concussion protocols, Ngidi is set to return for the clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 1 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. On the eve of the game, DC posted a fun video of Ngidi where he talks about the injury and the dropped catch.
“Bro, that day when I fell, I though I was cooked. I was highkey panicking,” Ngidi said during a conversation with the content creators.
“Bro, that catch drop. Generational aura debt.”
DC feel Ngidi’s absence
In the match against PBKS, DC missed the services of Ngidi. His concussion substitute was Vipraj Nigam as Dushmantha Chameera wasn’t allowed due to maximum overseas players cap. DC ended up losing the match as PBKS chased down 265 in the penultimate over.
In Ngidi’s absence, DC had to make a few changes for the RCB clash. It led to them dropping Pathum Nissanka for Sahil Parakh and including overseas pacers Chameera and Kyle Jamieson. DC ended up suffering a batting collapse and were bowled out for 75. DC are now placed seventh on the points table with five losses from eight games.
In the ongoing season, the Proteas pacer has claimed seven wickets from as many games at an average of 29.42. However, his economy rate of 8.70 runs per over has stood out in high-scoring games.
Ngidi, Starc to play vs Royals?
For the RR clash, DC are likely to receive a huge boost. Ngidi and Mitchell Starc are set to bolster the lineup. Starc joined the squad before the PBKS clash but had to acclimatise. As two overseas pacers are set to start, DC may rest Nissanka again. It is yet to be seen whether Parakh plays ahead of Abishek Porel despite a two-ball duck on debut as he got bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
DC’s net run rate (NRR) took a hit after the defeat to RR. They need to win at least five out of their remaining six games to have a chance of make it to the playoffs.
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