Delhi Capitals pacer Lungi Ngidi suffered a serious head injury while trying to catch Kings XI Punjab batsman Priyansh Arya during the IPL 2026 match in Delhi on Saturday. The incident took place in the third over of Kings XI Punjab’s chase when Alia hit a slasher off the stumps of Axar Patel. The ball was passed high at midfield and Ngidi ran back to complete the ball. However, he misjudged his opportunity and failed to get his hands on the ball. At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Ngidi landed hard as he fell backwards, hitting the back of his head hard on the ground. When he fell, his head bounced off the water and he immediately held his head in pain. He rolled to the side and remained on the ground for some time, immediately attracting the attention of players and support staff. The team doctors and team doctors immediately rushed to the field and provided treatment to the South African pacer. He remained on the ground for more than a minute as paramedics examined him. Later, the stretcher was carried onto the field. The physio was seen holding Ngidi’s neck and talking to him and the fact he was able to respond was a relief. An ambulance was brought to the ground and doctors and physiotherapists surrounded him. A neck brace was carefully placed under his head and around his neck before he was ready to leave the field. Kings XI Punjab head coach Ricky Ponting also took to the pitch as the medical team worked around Ngidi. As the stretcher was brought out, the Delhi Capitals camp was filled with worried faces. The hard outfield at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has heightened concerns about the fall impact. Everyone in the stadium was also silent, and they understood the seriousness of the injury. It seems unlikely that Ngidi will return to competition after a serious fall.
