Unfortunately, on Friday, South Africa’s young fast bowler Lungisani Ngidi’s father Jerome Ngidi passed away in the morning following a recent operation of his back. However, the details of the funeral are yet to be revealed. Ngidi is currently part of MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team in IPL 2018. He is expected to reach South Africa as soon as possible.

Lungisani plays for the domestic team Titans, the chief executive of the team‚ Jacques Faul confirmed about the tragic news, as quoted in Times Live he said, “I can confirm the sad news and our deepest condolences go to his family and friends. As a cricket family‚ we will assist wherever we can at this difficult time for the family.”

With Ngidi’s absence, CSK has been hit with another blow after losing players like Mitchell Santner, Kedar Jadhav for the whole tournament. They will also miss the services of Mr. IPL Suresh Raina in the upcoming two matches. With Mark Wood not performing at expected levels, Ngidi was expected to make it to the final XI of the Chennai squad, but that’s when he got the sad news.

CSK might look for the replacement of Lungisani if the pacer doesn’t return back to India in a week or so. For the Chennai franchise to go all the way in the tournament, they have to pick perfect replacements for both Mitchell Santner and Lungi Ngidi.

Lungi has played 3 Tests for South Africa and took 14 wickets in just six innings. He has picked 8 wickets in 4 ODIs and six wickets in the shortest format of the game. He was in prime form during the recently concluded Test series against India. With Dale Steyn’s injury and Morne Morkel’s retirement, Lungi has the window to has a bright future ahead for South Africa. He’s expected to play the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka later this year.