Proteas paceman Lungi Ngidi discharged from hospital after frightening IPL head injury

The 30-year-old South African suffered a worrying head injury in the third over of the match while attempting to chase down a skier from Punjab opener Priyansh Arya. Back-pedalling from mid-off, Ngidi misjudged the ball and fell heavily, striking the back of his head on the turf.

Players and spectators were left stunned as Ngidi remained on the ground clutching his head. Medical staff from the Delhi Capitals quickly rushed onto the field to assess him, with the physio and team doctor stabilising his neck before he was placed on a stretcher and taken off the field. Play was halted for around 15 minutes as concern grew for the fast bowler.

An IPL statement later confirmed Ngidi had complained of "a headache and neck pain" but was stable. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for further evaluation and observation.

According to reports from India, emergency services helped facilitate a rapid transfer, with Delhi Police creating a "green corridor" that allowed the ambulance to reach BL Kapoor Hospital in approximately 11 minutes despite heavy traffic. Officials said coordination between traffic authorities and police ensured the route was cleared and guided efficiently.

Just over an hour after being taken to hospital, the IPL confirmed Ngidi was in a stable condition and expected to be discharged shortly. He was later released the same night.

On the field, Ngidi was replaced by leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam as a concussion substitute. As the injury occurred before he had bowled a delivery, Nigam was permitted to complete a full four-over quota. Delhi Capitals ultimately went on to lose the match, with Punjab Kings successfully chasing down a record 264 with seven balls remaining in the highest successful run chase in IPL history.

The Capitals may now look to further reinforcements, with Australian pacer Mitchell Starc on the verge of returning to the squad should Ngidi require time away from the tournament.

While the result leaves Delhi in the middle of the table, the main concern remains Ngidi's recovery after a frightening moment that briefly overshadowed one of the most dramatic matches of the IPL season.