Delhi Capitals (DC) Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao has allayed immediate concerns around Lungi Ngidi’s head injury, calling it “not serious” after the pacer was taken to hospital following a frightening on-field incident during their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings.
Ngidi was rushed to Max Hospital for precautionary tests after a heavy fall in the third over of Punjab Kings’ chase. Attempting a catch at mid-off to dismiss Priyansh Arya, the South African quick lost balance, fell backwards, and hit his head hard on the turf, prompting immediate medical attention.
Play was halted for nearly 15 minutes as team physios attended to Ngidi before he was stretchered off and taken away in an ambulance, with visible concern among players and support staff.
“Still, I think it is not serious. He is in the hospital. We will update, but nothing serious,” Rao said after the match.
In an official update earlier, the Indian Premier League confirmed that Ngidi is “stable” and expected to be discharged shortly. The league stated that the 30-year-old complained of headache and neck pain following the incident but remains under observation.
“Lungi Ngidi hit his head on the ground while attempting to take a catch… He was shifted to the hospital in an ambulance as he complained of a headache and neck pain,” the IPL said in a post on X, adding, “Ngidi is stable and is due to be discharged shortly.”
Update: Lungisani Ngidi of Delhi Capitals hit his head on the ground while attempting to take a catch during his team’s match against Punjab Kings.
He was shifted to the hospital in an ambulance as he complained of a headache and neck pain.
Ngidi is stable and is due to be… https://t.co/F6NQhDTq9F
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 25, 2026
Addressing confusion over the concussion substitute, initially listed as Dushmantha Chameera before being replaced by Vipraj Nigam, Rao clarified the decision was purely regulatory. “Only four overseas players are allowed. There is a rule. We cannot take a fifth overseas player. Simple,” he explained.
Rao reiterated that player safety remains the top priority, even as Ngidi’s absence proved costly in a high-scoring thriller. “Safety comes first. But when you see a score like that, missing his four overs makes a difference. We hope Ngidi recovers quickly and returns soon,” he added.
Also Read: IPL 2026: 264 falls short as Punjab Kings script record chase against Delhi Capitals
Punjab Kings leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also expressed concern, highlighting the seriousness of head injuries. “It feels bad when anyone gets injured, especially with head injuries, they are always dangerous. We just hope he recovers soon and is back on the field,” he said.
Rao also confirmed that Mitchell Starc will be available for DC from May 1, following clearance from Cricket Australia.
Despite posting a daunting 264/2, powered by KL Rahul’s unbeaten 152, Delhi Capitals fell short as Punjab Kings pulled off a record chase, sealing the highest successful run chase in IPL history.