IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals (DC) lose Lungi Ngidi: Delhi Capitals (DC) have struck by another setback after their premier South African pacer Lungi Ngidi was ruled out ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As per the development, a left lateral ankle sprain ruled Lungi Ngidi out of the IPL 2024.
This is the second setback Delhi Capitals (DC) have suffered in the lead-up to the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). Earlier, England’s star batter Harry Brook pulled out of the IPL 2024 citing personal reasons.
Delhi, meanwhile, have roped in Jake Fraser-McGurk, an Australian all-rounder, as a replacement for the South African pacer. Jake Fraser McGurk will join Delhi Capitals for the Tata IPL 2024 at a reserve price of INR 50 Lakhs.
The all-rounder has played two ODIs for Australia. While he has been a decent force in the batting department, his bowling hasn’t made rounds. In 37 T20 games, the Aussie all-rounder has amassed 645 runs at an average of 20.15. He struck three half-centuries during his stay.
It’s worth noting that Lungi Ngidi hasn’t played competitive cricket since January 2024. The pacer suffered a left lateral ankle sprain during the T20I series against India and since then he has been on his way to recovery. The pacer, earlier, had also pulled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024.
While, on one side, Delhi Capitals (DC) is celebrating the comeback of flamboyant Rishabh Pant, on the other side they are constantly losing players due to some or the other reasons.
Skipper Rishabh Pant has been declared fit by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to take part in the Tata IPL 2024 in any capacity. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a fitness update confirming Rishab’s participation in the IPL 2024.
“After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, @RishabhPant17 has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming #TATA @IPL 2024,” wrote BCCI in a statement.
The board also released a series of special videos on how the wicketkeeper batter overcame his challenges and got back on the field in record time despite being struck by multiple fractures and injuries due to a near-fatal accident.
Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to begin their IPL 2024 campaign on March 23 in Mohali against Punjab Kings (PBKS).
IPL 2024: Harry Brook Ruled Out
A day ago, England batter Harry Brook also confirmed that he won’t take part in the proceedings of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) due to personal reasons. The batter informed that his grandmother passed away a month ago owing to which he pulled out of the India vs England test series.
“I was so excited to be picked by Delhi Capitals and was so looking forward to joining up with everyone,” Brook said in a statement on Instagram.
“Whilst I don’t think I should need to share my personal reasons behind this decision, I know there will be many asking why. So I do want to share this. I lost my grandmother last month – she was a rock to me and I spent a huge amount of my childhood in her home; my attitude to life and love for cricket was shaped by her and my late grandfather.
“When at home, there would hardly be a day go by that didn’t include seeing her. It makes me so happy that she was able to see me play cricket for England. I’m proud that she could collect some of the awards I have won over the last couple of years when I couldn’t be there and I know she enjoyed doing that.”