Magnificent Ngidi has IPL and world cricket buzzing yet again

Heinz Schenk

Lungi Ngidi’s stock as an international bowler has soared once again after he delivered one of the best bowling performances in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 22-year-old Proteas quick claimed an outstanding 4/10 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their five-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab at the weekend, impressing particularly with his ability to gain maximum benefit out of a spicy pitch in Pune.

Ngidi has gradually found his feet in the tournament after being a surprise pick during the pre-tournament auction.

He bowled economically in general before a spell of 2/14 against Delhi Daredevils seemed to inspire him to ramp up his performances.

But the man from Durban insists it’s the backing of an Indian legend – CSK captain and former Indian skipper MS Dhoni – that’s really pushed him to greater heights in the glitzy T20 tournament.

“The way the coaching staff and MS Dhoni have backed me has been really amazing,” Ngidi told Indian media after his spell.

“The experience here has been eye-opening, I have never played in front of such crowds but then again this is where, the kind of stages you find yourself in where you find out how good you are. It has been very good for me and I am looking forward to learn even more.”

Indian pitches aren’t known for being overly friendly towards the faster men but Ngidi was the “lucky” recipient of one.

Typical of the grounded youngster, he didn’t try to overexert himself and perhaps miss out on the help he would’ve received from the conditions.

“I try to keep it as simple as possible, try and pitch it on the fourth-stump line with it swinging away and swinging back in, let the batsman deal with that. It was a very good wicket for fast bowlers I would say, and it was very exciting to see Indian conditions offer such a fast-bowler friendly wicket,” said Ngidi.

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