South African seamer Lungi Ngidi talks about getting picked by Chennai Super Kings

Updated - 10 Jan 2019, 01:45 AM

Lungi Ngidi
Lungi Ngidi Keen For `very Long` Proteas Career. (Photo credit should read MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images)

The young fast bowler from South Africa, Lungi Ngidi is making headlines since his outstanding Test debut against India. Ngidi returned with six for 39 in his debut match to help his side win the match and the series.

Ngidi got a break in Test cricket following Dale Steyn’s injury during the first Test. However, he grabbed the opportunity as he dismantled a star-studded Indian batting line-up. As a result, he bagged an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Lungi Ngidi India South Africa ODI Series

A consistent performer:

Since making his debut against Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series in January 2017, Ngidi has performed consistently. The 21-year-old Ngidi claimed six wickets in the series at an average of 7.33 and an economy of 5.50.

Further, he represented the winning Northern team in the 2015/16 Afro T20 Cup. He returned with six scalps from four games and bagged the Africa T20 Cup player of the year award.

A dream come true for Ngidi:

Following his consistent performance, Ngidi bagged an IPL contract in the last month’s auction. CSK availed the services of him for Rs 50 Lakh. Ngidi said he is excited to play alongside MS Dhoni, much like others. Also, he said that he did not expect an IPL contract and that has probably come on the back of a few good performances in domestic cricket.

Lungi Ngidi, Pierre de Bruyn, Centurion Test, South Africa Vs India 2018, Dale Steyn
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

No, I didn’t (expect an IPL contract). I knew I had a good T20 domestic series and my first few international T20 games had gone well. I was obviously hoping to be picked up (in the players’ auction) and was nervous about it too.  Didn’t watch because we were playing a Test match. After the game, I checked my phone and everybody was congratulating me. I asked “what for” and then I realized I had been picked up by CSK. I will be playing with Dhoni, which is a dream come true for any young cricketer,” Ngidi said to Live Mint.

Further, here is the newsfeed:

Yuzvendra Chahal & Rohit Sharma Create Unwanted Record in Centurion

Mahi Woke Up, says Manish Pandey on MS Dhoni’s Whirlwind Knock

Manish Pandey Reveals why he consulted doctor during tough times

Tagged:

Lungi Ngidi South Africa national cricket team