In a significant development for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Ngidi, who was signed by the Capitals last year, unfortunately, will miss the 17th season of IPL due to an injury sustained on Friday. In place of Ngidi, the Capitals have recruited Australian all-rounder Jake Fraser-McGurk.
Ngidi’s Departure
The 21-year-old all-rounder from Melbourne is known for his aggressive batting style and also bowls leg-spin. Fraser-McGurk recently made his debut for Australia in the ODIs against the West Indies in Sydney last month. He joins the Delhi Capitals after being included in the squad at a reserve price of INR 50 lakhs. Notably, Ngidi was also signed by Delhi for the same amount.
Injury Woes for Ngidi
Ngidi has been struggling with a lingering injury since the start of this year’s IPL. He has played 14 matches so far in the tournament, taking 25 wickets. His best bowling performance came when he conceded just 10 runs and claimed four wickets. Prior to joining the Delhi Capitals, Ngidi was part of the Chennai Super Kings team.
Potential Impact
While Fraser-McGurk may not have played in the IPL before, he brings considerable T20 experience to the table. With a strike rate of 133.54, Fraser-McGurk has scored 645 runs in 37 T20 matches, including three half-centuries. He is expected to be a valuable asset for Delhi Capitals, especially on spin-friendly tracks.
Previous Setback
Earlier, Delhi Capitals suffered a setback when star English batsman Harry Brook withdrew from the tournament due to personal reasons. Brook returned home after the conclusion of England’s tour of India. His grandmother had passed away, and he chose to be with his family during this difficult time. Delhi Capitals are yet to announce a replacement for Brook.
Summary
The departure of Lungi Ngidi and earlier withdrawal of Harry Brook have posed significant challenges for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024. Ngidi’s absence deprives the team of a potent bowling option, while Brook’s withdrawal leaves a void in the batting lineup. However, the franchise is not deterred by these setbacks.
With the inclusion of Jake Fraser-McGurk, a promising young talent, the Delhi Capitals are determined to adapt and overcome these obstacles. Fraser-McGurk’s addition brings fresh energy and skill to the team, offering depth to both the batting and bowling departments. As they continue their campaign in the tournament, the Delhi Capitals remain focused on maximizing their resources and delivering strong performances on the field.
