Lungi Ngidi rushed to hospital after severe head injury vs PBKS in 2026

South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi was taken to hospital in an ambulance after hitting his head hard on the pitch during an IPL match.

Ngidi's injury incident The collision happened as Ngidi sprinted back from the outfield position mid-off to attempt catching Priyansh Arya, the Punjab Kings opener. Instead of taking the catch, he lost his balance and landed heavily on his head after falling backward. Ngidi immediately grabbed the back of his skull in visible agony and remained motionless on the ground without attempting to stand. The entire episode unfolded in front of thousands of spectators and television viewers alike. ## Medical response and stretcher exit Play was suspended for an extended period as the medical staff sprinted onto the field to examine Ngidi, who stayed lying flat on the grass. Medical personnel stabilized his neck and skull using a supportive brace before placing him carefully onto a stretcher. He was then loaded into an ambulance for immediate transportation to a nearby medical facility for advanced evaluation. The entire process unfolded with visible urgency from everyone involved. ## Substitute player replaces Ngidi Dushmantha Chameera entered the Delhi Capitals lineup as the concussion replacement for Ngidi, who had not bowled before being sidelined. Chameera is eligible to deliver the full four overs despite the interruption occurring early in the innings. The match had just entered the third over when Ngidi sustained the injury, leaving the Capitals at 264 runs without their pace spearhead having bowled a single delivery. ## Match context before injury Delhi Capitals were in a commanding position when Ngidi got hurt, thanks to KL Rahul's unbeaten 152 guiding them to a total of 264 runs against Punjab Kings. The Capitals entered the game sitting sixth on the points table with three victories from six outings, while Punjab Kings led the standings with five wins and one match called off due to weather in their opening six fixtures.