Lungi Ngidi

The South African pacer, Lungi Ngidi, is a product of the age-group system and represented Kwa-Zulu Natal before playing for his country’s U19 team in 2014. As the teenager graduated to serious domestic cricket, he earned the tag of a T20 prospect early, becoming the joint-second-highest wicket-taker in the Africa Cup the following season.

In 2015-16, Ngidi played for the Titans, when his lethal and wicket-taking bowling took them to the final of the Africa T20 Cup and later home. As his domestic career took off, Ngidi began making giant strides. Hence, the national selectors identified the budding talent and awarded Ngidi his international cap in 2017.

The South African now has quality international and IPL experience under his belt. The Proteas team management would hope Ngidi to convert his potential into performances and help South Africa in future tournaments.

Lungi Ngidi T20I Career

Lungi Ngidi made his T20I debut for South Africa on January 20, 2017, against Sri Lanka at Centurion, immediately impressing one and all with dream figures of 2/12 in 2 overs, earning the Player of the Match award.

After some decent performances, Ngidi was named in South Africa’s squad for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and has been a part of the South African teams for the 2022, 2024 and 2026 editions.

Lungi Ngidi Test Career

The KwaZulu-Natal pacer, Lungi Ngidi, was included in the playing XI for the Centurion Test as injured Dale Steyn’s replacement.

Ngidi made a sensational Test debut for South Africa against India on January 13, 2018, at Centurion, taking match figures of 7/87, including a pivotal 6/39 in the second innings. 

Fast-forward to June 2025, Ngidi was a part of South Africa’s maiden appearance in the World Test Championship final against Australia. Ngidi, despite going wicketless in Australia’s first innings, contributed significantly to South Africa’s eventual WTC 2023-25 triumph with his bowling in the latter half, picking 3 for 38.

Lungi Ngidi ODI Career

Along with his Test debut, Lungi Ngidi made his ODI debut for South Africa against India on February 7, 2018, in their multi-format series played at home.

For his continuous performances, in the 2018 South African Cricket Annual Awards, he was named as one of the five 'Cricketers of the Year'. The tall pacer also won the ODI and T20I cricketer of the year at Cricket South Africa’s annual awards ceremony.

Consequently, Ngidi was a part of the South African team that toured England for the 2019 World Cup, but, like his team, the pacer had an under-par tournament.

Lungi played a critical role during the Proteas' campaign in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, where they lost to Australia in the semifinal. The paceman was able to scalp 10 wickets in eight matches.

Ngidi was also part of South Africa’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where the team reached the semi-finals but fell short of making it to the final.

The South African now has quality international and IPL experience under his belt. The Proteas team management would hope Ngidi to convert his potential into performances and help South Africa in future tournaments.

Lungi Ngidi IPL Career

Ahead of the Indian Premier League 2018, Lungi Ngidi came into the limelight, leading to him signing a contract with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He went on to play seven games in his maiden season and was part of the title-winning CSK team.

In February 2022, Lungi Ngidi was secured by the Delhi Capitals during the IPL auction for the 2022 season.

For the IPL 2025 season, he was acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore at his base price of INR 1 crore.

Meanwhile, after an impressive 2026 T20 World Cup, he is seen as a solid option for the Delhi Capitals’ starting XI in IPL 2026. 

(As of March 2026)