Overview
- Lungi Ngidi suffered a head and neck injury on Saturday during Delhi Capitals’ match against Punjab Kings, was immobilized with a neck brace, and was taken to a nearby hospital where he was declared stable.
- Delhi missed him in Monday’s loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and used Vipraj Nigam as a concussion substitute under tournament provisions for in-game head injuries.
- Video the team posted on Thursday showed Ngidi bowling at full pace in Jaipur, and fresh training clips on Friday captured him catching cleanly in the same backward-running scenario.
- Reports now diverge on his eligibility for the Rajasthan Royals game, with Hindustan Times saying he has been cleared to play and India Today and SportsTak citing guidance that typically requires seven days out after a diagnosed concussion.
- If he does not feature, Delhi could turn to Mitchell Starc as they try to arrest a slide that has left them seventh with three wins from eight, raising the stakes for selection and pace balance.