Lungi Ngidi Career

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Lungi Ngidi Career (Source:@Titans_Cricket,x.com)Lungi Ngidi Career (Source:@Titans_Cricket,x.com)

South African speedster, Lungi Ngidi, known for consistently delivering speeds over 140kph, has established himself as a versatile and crucial player for the South African team.His international debut came in a T20I against Sri Lanka in January 2017, where he earned the Man of the Match title. He continued to excel, notably during his Test debut against India, where his 6 for 39 in the fourth innings was instrumental in South Africa's series win. 

His return to Test cricket saw him take seven wickets in two matches against Sri Lanka. He also toured Pakistan and West Indies, and in late 2021, he took eight wickets in Centurion against his recurring opponents, India, showcasing skills and importance to South African cricket. Let’s take a detailed look at the Lungi Ngidi Career.

Lungi Ngidi's Cricket Career​

Lungi Ngidi's journey began in Kloof, Durban, where he was nurtured in a humble family setting. His mother worked as a domestic worker, and his father was a maintenance worker at a local school. 

Ngidi's cricketing promise earned him a scholarship to Highbury Preparatory School, followed by another to the prestigious Hilton College School. His early years at Hilton were marked by his participation in rugby; however, he soon hung up his rugby boots to concentrate solely on cricket. During his time at Hilton, he was under the guidance of Neil Johnson, a former Zimbabwe all-rounder, who played a crucial role in shaping his cricketing skills.

After his time at Hilton, Ngidi pursued higher education at the University of Pretoria. He chose to study a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Industrial Sociology, balancing his academic interests with his burgeoning cricket career.

Lungi Ngidi International Career​

Lungi Ngidi International Career​ (Source:@Cric_records45,x.com)Lungi Ngidi International Career​ (Source:@Cric_records45,x.com)

Lungi Ngidi's cricket journey began with the Kwa-Zulu Natal Under-19s during the 2014 Khaya Majola week. By July 2016, Ngidi's talent was undeniable, earning him the title of Africa T20 Cup player of the year by Cricket South Africa. 

His star continued to rise, and by August 2017, he was picked for Benoni Zalmi's squad in the inaugural T20 Global League. His growing international reputation was further cemented when he was named in the Tshwane Spartans squad for the 2019 Mzansi Super League.

In a significant move in May 2023, Ngidi took his talents to the United States, joining the San Francisco Unicorns for the inaugural season of MLC. 

Lungi Ngidi's T20I Career

Lungi Ngidi's T20I Career (Source:@BlaqsInCricket,x.com)Lungi Ngidi's T20I Career (Source:@BlaqsInCricket,x.com)

Ngidi's journey in T20Is kicked off with a remarkable debut against Sri Lanka in January 2017. He immediately grabbed the spotlight, an unusual feat for a newcomer, by securing the Man of the Match award.

His trajectory in T20Is is dotted with significant performances. A key highlight came in July 2022 against England when he achieved his first five-wicket haul in T20Is.

Ngidi has demonstrated an impressive ability to adjust his game to suit the T20 format, often bowling during the most challenging phases of a match. His evolution in T20Is is marked by consistent growth, showcasing his increasing mastery over the nuances of this fast-paced format.

Lungi Ngidi's ODI Career

Lungi Ngidi's ODI Career (Source:@111of173,x.com)Lungi Ngidi's ODI Career (Source:@111of173,x.com)

Ngidi's entry into the ODI scene came on the heels of his impressive Test debut, marking his ODI debut against India on February 7, 2018. Initially, in the shadow of his Test performances, Ngidi soon made a name for himself in the ODI format. In his debut series against India, he picked eight wickets in three matches. 

His skill in bowling at different junctures of an innings, combined with a masterful execution of yorkers and pace variations, quickly established him as a dynamic force in South Africa's ODI bowling brigade.

Ngidi's ODI career witnessed a significant milestone on March 4, 2020, during a match against Australia. Here, he bagged his inaugural five-wicket haul in ODIs, simultaneously setting a new benchmark as the quickest South African bowler to amass 50 ODI wickets - a feat he accomplished in a mere 26 matches.

Lungi Ngidi's Test Career

Lungi Ngidi's Test Career (Source:@Titans_Cricket,x.com)Lungi Ngidi's Test Career (Source:@Titans_Cricket,x.com)

Ngidi's foray into Test cricket commenced in January 2018, a defining moment in his flourishing career. Chosen for the South African Test team against India, his debut was nothing short of remarkable. At Centurion, Ngidi's skills shone brightly, culminating in an impressive 7/87 match figure, highlighted by an extraordinary 6/39 in the second innings.

His expertise in utilizing local pitch conditions along with his pace and bounce, rapidly propelled him to the forefront as a significant addition to South Africa's Test bowling ranks.

Ngidi's journey in Test cricket has been a mixture of steady achievements and occasional hurdles, particularly injuries. However, he has remained a steadfast presence in the South African Test side, showcasing resilience and skill.

Lungi Ngidi IPL Career

Lungi Ngidi IPL Career (Source:@CSKFansArmy,x.com)Lungi Ngidi IPL Career (Source:@CSKFansArmy,x.com)

Ngidi's venture into the IPL commenced in January 2018 when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured him in the IPL auction. This opportunity opened a new chapter in his career, placing him on one of cricket's grandest platforms.

Ngidi's inaugural IPL season in 2018 was nothing short of remarkable. In seven matches, he showcased his bowling skills, claiming 11 wickets at an impressive average of 14.18. 

 The 2019 IPL season saw Ngidi facing a setback, as he missed the entire season. Making a comeback in 2020, he continued to represent CSK. 

His IPL journey took a turn in February 2022 when he was picked by Delhi Capitals. However, he did not play a single match for the franchise. In the 2023 IPL season, despite being retained by DC, Ngidi did not appear in any matches. 

In IPL 2025, he played for RCB and featured in four matches, scalping two wickets at an average of 20.25.

FAQs - Lungi Ngidi's Career

Q.1. When did Lungi Ngidi make his international debut?

Answer: Lungi Ngidi made his international debut in a T20I match against Sri Lanka in January 2017. 

Q.2. Which IPL teams have Lungi Ngidi played for?

Answer: Lungi Ngidi started his IPL career with CSK in 2018. Later, he joined Delhi Capitals in 2022 but did not play any matches for them in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Q.3. What is Lungi Ngidi's bowling average?

Answer: Lungi Ngidi's bowling average in Test is 23.37, in ODI's it is 29.30 and in the shortest format it is 21.07. 

Q.4. Is Lungi Ngidi a fast bowler?

Answer: Yes, Lungi Ngidi is a fast bowler, with bowling speed nearly around 140 kmph. He also has the ability to move the ball both ways.