Even before the first ball is bowled off the Indian Premier League 2019, defending champion Chennai Super Kings received a heavy blow. South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of IPL 2019 following an injury. The upcoming season of IPL will kick start from March 23 with the opening game is scheduled between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai.
Ngidi was playing for South Africa during the recently concluded five-match series against Sri Lanka. He sustained a side strain during the fifth One-Day International. This is being seen as a big setback for CSK as he was expected to lead the pace battery this year.
Also Read: Who will be the X factor of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2019?
The young pacer advised for four weeks of rest which will be followed by a rehabilitation programme. He has to prove his fitness before being picked for the all-important ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, which will commence from May 30 in England and Wales.
Talking about Ngidi’s injury, South Africa team manager Dr. Mohammed Moosajee said “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.”
CSK bought Ngidi during the IPL 2018 auction and he proved their decision right. He featured in seven games last year, where he picked 11 wickets and conceded at an economy of fewer than 7 runs per over. The South African lad was expected to be the leader of the bowling lineup for Chennai during this season. He is the best bowling option among the pacers for CSK.
Also Read: Probable starting XI of CSK in IPL 2019
However, England’s David Willy will have to fill Ngidi’s boost during the upcoming season. Other than that, CSK’s fast bowling arsenal consist Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Mohit Sharma and KM Asif.
