South Africa’s right-arm pacer Lungi Ngidi gave the credit to the IPL for helping him tackle huge crowds and he also attributed his IPL success in 2018 to MS Dhoni and the captain’s confidence in him. Ngidi was first featured in the IPL in 2018 for the Chennai Super Kings and played a key role in their victory. The 26-year-old claimed 11 wickets in seven matches as they lifted their fourth IPL trophy.

Speaking to The Guardian, Ngidi said Dhoni’s trust in his ability to win games played an important part. He said: “Having someone of Dhoni’s calibre put his trust in me to win him games when I was 22 was massive for me. The IPL also taught me how to handle a big crowd. I’d never played in front of 60,000 people and that was a bit overwhelming at the start. But once you get going it’s a breeze.”

He continued: “Even this year, in Delhi, Rishabh Pant has been so good. He’s young but he already has so much influence within the game and being able to bowl to him in the nets and run ideas past him helps you grow as a cricketer.”

Lungi Ngidi has fetched INR 50 lakhs from the Delhi Capitals in the mega auction. However, he didn’t play any games this year as his side missed out on a playoff berth. The Durban-born player has conceded that his fellow pacer Kagiso Rabada often reminds him of his achievements in the Indian Premier League and individual accolades when he feels down as well.

Lungi Ngidi said: “When I talk to Kagiso Rabada, if I am a little down he’ll remind me: ‘You’re an IPL winner, twice, and you’ve won man of the match awards. So why are you sitting here denouncing yourself?’”