Lungi Ngidi ruled out of three-match India T20I series

27-year-old Lungi Ngidi, who was named in the South African squad for the first two T20Is against India, has been ruled out of the series with a left lateral ankle sprain. Ngidi was expected to spearhead the bowling unit alongside Marco Jansen, will now remain unavailable for the entire series. 

“The 27-year-old has been released from the squad and will return to his provincial team where he will undergo his rehabilitation with the Momentum Multiply Titans under the supervision of the Proteas medical team,” CSA’s press release stated. 

Not just that, the ankle sprain has now put Ngidi under major doubt to be part of the four-day domestic clash from December 14-17, which was viewed as preparation for the two-match Test series against India. 

“Initially he was expected to play in the round of four-day matches from 14 - 17 December in preparation for the two-match Betway Test series but will instead be further assessed by the medical team on his progress,” it added. 

Western Province fast bowler Beuran Hendricks has been named as his replacement. The 33-year-old last played for South Africa in the shortest format back in 2021. Across the 19 T20Is that Hendricks has played, the left-arm pacer has picked up 25 wickets, averaging 25 with the ball.