Birthday special: Lungi Ngidi – Pacer who can make it big for South Africa

Lungi Ngidi has been one of the finest bowlers to have played the game for South Africa ever since he had first burst onto the scene at the highest level in January 2017. Apart from proving his mettle for the Proteas, the tall pacer has also made a tremendous impact in franchise cricket as he was one of the integral members of the CSK squad that won the IPL in 2018 and 2021 respectively.

As Ngidi turns 26 on March 29, here’s all you need to know about the next big thing in South African cricket.

Lungi Ngidi: The promising fast bowler from South Africa

Ngidi had played rugby during his first three years at the Hilton College School before eventually deciding to completely focus on cricket. He was coached by former Zimbabwean all-rounder Neil Johnson.

While the promising speedster from Durban made his international debut in January 2017 against Sri Lanka, it was exactly a year later that he made his presence felt at the highest level when he registered a six-wicket haul in the second innings of the second Test match at Centurion. His 6/39 was instrumental in South Africa’s emphatic 135-run win to seal the series.

His consistent performances earned him a central contract from Cricket South Africa (CSA) and he also went on to find a place in the 2019 World Cup that was played in England and Wales. Unfortunately, fitness issues meant that not only did he have a forgettable campaign but South Africa also failed to make the semi-finals only managing wins against Afghanistan and Australia, respectively.

In March 2020, he became the fastest bowler for the Proteas to complete 50 One Day International scalps in terms of matches. He achieved this feat in just his 26th ODI. In July 2022, the pace sensation was adjudged both ODI and T20I cricketer of the year at the Cricket South Africa’s annual awards ceremony.

After being released by the four-time winners Chennai Super Kings, Ngidi has been roped in by the Delhi Capitals for IPL 2022 at his base price of INR 50 lakh. He would now be hoping to make an impact in the ongoing tournament with an eye on the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 down under later this year as South Africa eye a maiden world title.