Lungi Ngidi
Role: Bowler
DOB: 29 March 1996
IPL Team (2026): Unsold
Base Price: INR 50 Lakh (last known)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 16 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1* | – | 1 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0* | – | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0* | – | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2018 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1* | – | 1 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 16 | 378 | 574 | 26 | 4/10 | 22.07 | 9.11 | 14.53 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 | 48 | 87 | 1 | 1/26 | 87.00 | 10.87 | 48.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 3 | 66 | 116 | 5 | 2/35 | 23.20 | 10.54 | 13.20 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 4 | 96 | 169 | 9 | 3/38 | 18.77 | 10.56 | 10.66 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 7 | 168 | 202 | 11 | 4/10 | 18.36 | 7.19 | 15.27 | 1 | 0 |
The Story of Lungi Ngidi
Hailing from the township of Kloof in KwaZulu-Natal, Lungi Ngidi’s journey to the pinnacle of T20 cricket is a testament to raw talent and sheer determination. A towering fast bowler with a deceptive burst of pace and an uncanny ability to hit hard lengths, Ngidi burst onto the international scene with South Africa, quickly establishing himself as a potent weapon. His IPL dream materialized in 2018 when the Chennai Super Kings, known for their shrewd auction picks, secured his services. It was a dream debut season, where he quickly became a fan favourite, not just for his wicket-taking prowess but also for his infectious smile and calm demeanor under pressure.
Ngidi’s playing style is a fascinating blend of traditional fast bowling and modern T20 demands. He possesses a natural ability to generate bounce and seam movement, making him a handful with the new ball. However, it’s his mastery of variations, particularly the slower ball and pinpoint yorkers, that makes him so effective in the death overs. His breakthrough moment in the IPL came in 2018, notably against Punjab Kings where he dismantled their batting lineup with a sensational 4/10, showcasing his ability to turn the tide of a match single-handedly. This performance, among others, cemented his place as a key component of CSK’s championship-winning squad that year.
Beyond the statistics, Ngidi brings a palpable energy to the field. He’s a team player, often seen celebrating enthusiastically with teammates and offering words of encouragement. While injuries have occasionally hampered his consistency, when fit and firing, Ngidi is a genuine match-winner. His ability to bowl economically in the powerplay and pick up crucial wickets in the middle overs makes him a captain’s delight, capable of stifling opposition momentum and creating opportunities for his side.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Lungi Ngidi’s entire IPL career has been synonymous with the Chennai Super Kings. He was first picked up by CSK in the 2018 IPL auction for his base price of INR 50 Lakh. This proved to be an absolute steal, as he delivered a stellar performance in his debut season, playing a crucial role in CSK’s title triumph. He picked up 11 wickets in just 7 matches, boasting an impressive economy rate of 7.19.
Despite being retained by CSK, the 2019 season saw him sidelined due to injury, a frustrating period for both player and franchise. He returned in 2020, playing 4 matches and picking up 9 wickets, though his economy rate climbed on the flatter UAE pitches. In 2021, he featured in 3 matches, contributing 5 wickets to CSK’s second title win in his tenure. His final season with CSK was in 2022, where he played only 2 matches, picking up a solitary wicket as the team struggled. Following the 2022 season, Ngidi went unsold in the subsequent mega-auctions, marking a pause in his IPL journey. His consistent base price of INR 50 Lakh in auctions reflected his perceived value, but recent form and injury concerns have kept him off the team sheets.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
From a betting standpoint, Lungi Ngidi offers intriguing propositions, particularly when conditions align. His primary strength lies in his ability to extract bounce and seam movement, making him a prime candidate for early wickets in the powerplay, especially on pitches with a hint of green or in conditions conducive to swing. Betting on Ngidi for “First Wicket Taker” or “Over/Under Wickets in Powerplay” can be profitable when he’s bowling on fresh surfaces or against top-heavy batting lineups.
However, bettors should be wary of his performance on flat, small grounds where his pace can be easily dispatched. His economy rate has seen fluctuations, particularly in seasons where he’s been less consistent or played on batting-friendly tracks (e.g., 2020, 2021). Therefore, betting on his “Over/Under Economy Rate” requires careful consideration of the venue and opposition. He thrives against batsmen who struggle with genuine pace and bounce, but can be vulnerable against aggressive, free-scoring hitters who target the leg side. Look for matchups against teams with a weaker middle order or those prone to collapses. His injury history also makes “Player Performance” bets a riskier proposition unless he’s shown sustained fitness. When Ngidi is in rhythm, his strike rate is excellent (career 14.53), making him a good pick for “Most Wickets” in a specific match, especially if the pitch offers assistance.
Key Records & Milestones
- Best Bowling Figures in an IPL Match: 4/10 against Punjab Kings in 2018, a performance that helped CSK secure a crucial victory.
- Part of two IPL title-winning squads with Chennai Super Kings (2018, 2021).
- Achieved a career-best IPL bowling average of 18.36 in his debut season (2018).
- Maintained an impressive career IPL strike rate of 14.53, indicating his wicket-taking ability.
IPL Season Highlights
Lungi Ngidi’s most impactful IPL season undoubtedly came in 2018. In just 7 matches, he scalped 11 wickets at an outstanding average of 18.36 and an economy of 7.19. His standout performance was against Punjab Kings, where he delivered a spell of 4-1-10-4, dismantling their batting order and earning him the Man of the Match award. He consistently provided crucial breakthroughs, proving to be an invaluable asset in CSK’s successful title campaign, often bowling tight overs in the powerplay and picking up wickets in the middle.
The 2020 season, played in the UAE, saw Ngidi return after injury. Despite playing only 4 matches, he managed to pick up 9 wickets. While his economy rate was higher (10.56), he showed glimpses of his wicket-taking prowess, including a 3/38 against Rajasthan Royals. He was often deployed in crucial phases, demonstrating his ability to pick up wickets even when runs were flowing.
In the 2021 season, another championship year for CSK, Ngidi featured in 3 matches, contributing 5 wickets. His best performance came against Mumbai Indians, where he picked up 2/35, including the key wicket of Kieron Pollard, showcasing his ability to perform against strong batting lineups and in high-pressure situations, even with limited opportunities.