new delhi, April 26
The Delhi Capitals will take a breath of relief as pacer Lungi Ngidi has been discharged from hospital and has returned to the team hotel in New Delhi, with sources confirming that the South African is “doing well” and will continue to be monitored closely by the franchise’s medical staff.
“Lungi Ngidi is doing well and has now returned to the DC team hotel in New Delhi. Him being sent back to the hotel after being discharged from the hospital is a positive indication of his recovery, and the franchise medical staff will continue to take good care of him,” sources told IANS.Ngidi had suffered a scary on-field injury during Delhi Capitals’ IPL clash against Punjab Kings when he fell heavily while attempting a catch at mid-off in the third over of the chase. He landed awkwardly on his head and immediately clutched it in pain before collapsing to the ground.
Medical staff rushed in as play was halted for around 15 minutes, before the pacer was stretchered off and taken away in an ambulance amid concern from players and officials. In a swift response, the Delhi Traffic Police created a green corridor, helping the ambulance reach BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital near Rajendra Nagar Metro Station in just 11 minutes.
On the field, tension was visible as teammates David Miller and Tristan Stubbs looked shaken, while DC head coach Hemang Badani instructed staff to arrange a neck brace as a precaution.
An ambulance was brought onto the ground as doctors and physios assessed the situation. Although Ngidi was conscious and able to communicate through hand gestures, he was unable to move his neck and head at the time.
A neck brace was fitted before he was carefully strapped onto a stretcher and taken off the field. He was later replaced in the Delhi Capitals XI by leg-spin all-rounder Vipraj Nigam, who came in as a concussion substitute.
