SA vs IND: Lungi Ngidi ruled out of the T20I series
South Africa have suffered a major setback ahead of their three-match T20I series vs India beginning on Sunday, December 10 as fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the series. The right-arm seamer, who was also a part of South Africa’s squad in ODI World Cup 2023, sustained a left lateral ankle sprain.
As a result, the 27-year-old has been released from the T20I squad and will undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the South African medical team. Ngidi’s fitness will be further assessed ahead of the all-important Test series against India beginning from December 26 to ascertain his participation.
Following his injury, Beuran Hendricks has been announced as Ngidi’s replacement. The left-arm seamer made his T20I debut way back in 2014 and has played 19 matches for his nation picking up 25 wickets.
Meanwhile, India have reached Durban, the venue for the first T20I. However, according to a report in Cribuzz, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is yet to join the squad. The southpaw, who’s also the vice-captain of the T20I team for the upcoming series, will reach South Africa from Europe along with a few other members.
Seam-bowling all-rounder Deepak Chahar also hasn’t joined the team yet as he’s dealing with a family emergency. Notably, Chahar’s father suffered a brain stroke ahead of India’s fifth T20I against Australia in Bengaluru. Hence, the all-rounder didn’t feature in the final game of the series and took a flight back home to be with his family.
India have won three out of four T20I series in South Africa
His father, Lokendra Singh Chahar has been reportedly discharged from Mithraj Hospital in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh and his health has improved drastically. As a result, there’s some uncertainty on Chahar’s arrival in South Africa to join the T20I and ODI squads. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) also hasn’t announced any replacement for him.
Meanwhile, India will be eager to continue their good record in T20Is in South Africa. Notably, the Men in Blue emerged victorious on their T20I debut vs the Proteas in 2006 and further went on to win the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 in the Rainbow nation. India have won three out of the four T20I series played against South Africa away from home and will look to continue their stellar record this time around as well.
