Delhi Capitals received a timely boost ahead of their clash with Chennai Super Kings, with bowling coach Munaf Patel confirming that pacer Lungi Ngidi is available again after serving out his mandatory rest period following a head injury.
Ngidi had been taken off on a stretcher and transported to a hospital after landing awkwardly on his head while attempting a catch in the home fixture against the Punjab Kings on April 25. The incident sidelined the South African fast bowler for the next two matches as he completed his recovery.
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“Everyone is fit. Lungi is fit. He didn’t play two games because of the criterion of six days’ rest,” said Munaf ahead of the game against Chennai Super Kings.
With
Ngidi back in the mix, the Capitals’ bowling unit will regain depth and variety. The attack has already been strengthened by the arrival of Mitchell Starc, who linked up with the side and made an immediate impression in his first outing of the season against the Rajasthan Royals.
Delhi’s bowling frailties were exposed in that high-scoring encounter against Punjab Kings, where they failed to defend 264 and ended up on the wrong side of a record run chase.
Munaf stressed that Starc’s inclusion gives the side a genuine threat with the new ball and can alter the course of games.
“When there is a wicket-taking bowler in the PowerPlay, the whole scenario changes. 220 or 230 is being chased because you are not able to take wickets in the PowerPlay.
“When the main bowler is there and takes a few wickets in the PowerPlay, it makes a big difference. Bowling in partnerships was missing, but that has been added now,” said Munaf.
Addressing the decision to leave out David Miller from the starting line-up in the previous match, Munaf explained the overseas combination and injury situation that influenced selection. Munaf added, “You can only fit in four foreigners in the XI. Sahil was injured, so we needed an opener, and we thought of giving Pathum another chance. We had to play two overseas fast bowlers. So only one between Pathum and Miller could play. We went with Pathum because an opener was required.”
(With Agency Inputs)
