IPL 2019: Blow to CSK as Lungi Ngidi ruled out due to injury

The South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee was quoted as saying on the ICC website that Ngidi had felt discomfort while bowling during the last ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands and immediately stopped bowling

In a major blow to the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), young South African pacer Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the tournament due to a side strain. He sustained the injury during the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka.

The South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee was quoted as saying on the ICC website that Ngidi had felt discomfort while bowling during the last ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands and immediately stopped bowling.

“Lungi felt discomfort while bowling during the last ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands and immediately stopped bowling. Further scans revealed a Grade II muscle strain which will need up to four weeks of rest followed by a rehab programme leading up to the World Cup,” Moosajee said.

Ngidi was to play for CSK, who he represented in last year's IPL. He now becomes the fourth pace bowler to be ruled out from the tournament due to injury. The Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata Knight Riders have already lost Shivam Mavi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Anrich Nortje.

CSK plays the opener of IPL-12 against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram stadium here on March 23.