• Source:JND

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) had to be stopped for a while after Lungi Ngidi suffered a serious head injury while trying to take a catch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The incident happened during the powerplay of Punjab’s chase, with the score at 43/0 in the third over. Punjab Kings opener Priyansh Arya played a lofted shot off Axar Patel towards mid-off. Ngidi ran back to complete the catch and stretched his hand, but couldn’t reach the ball. He lost his balance and fell badly, landing on his back before his head hit the ground hard.

The impact was immediately concerning. Ngidi clutched his head as he lay on the field, clearly in pain, while players and spectators fell silent. Medical staff rushed in without delay, and the match was halted as they attended to him. Teammates and fellow South Africans Tristan Stubbs and David Miller, along with members of the coaching staff, including Ricky Ponting and Hemang Badani, gathered nearby, visibly anxious.

After initial treatment on the field, he was placed on a stretcher and taken away in an ambulance to Max Hospital in Karol Bagh for further checks.

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Ngidi was later replaced by Sri Lankan all-rounder Dushmantha Chameera as a substitute fielder. After that, Vipraj Nigam was confirmed as a concussion sub.

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The 30-year-old has been in good form this season and is currently Delhi Capitals’ leading wicket-taker, with 7 wickets from six matches.

So far in his IPL career, Ngidi has played 23 matches for teams like Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals. He has picked up 36 wickets with an economy rate of 8.57. Delhi Capitals had signed him for Rs 2 crore in the IPL mini auction.


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