Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi witnessed a deeply concerning moment on Saturday when South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi suffered a nasty head injury while trying to complete a catch. The incident brought the match to a halt as players, coaches, and fans watched in silence while the pacer received urgent medical attention before being taken to hospital in an ambulance.
As per PTI, Ngidi was shifted to Max Hospital, Pusa Road, in Delhi for further medical examination after the on-field doctors assessed the seriousness of the blow. The frightening moment happened early in Punjab Kings’ run chase and quickly became the major talking point of the evening.
Catch attempt turns into a scary moment as Lungi Ngidi suffers a nasty injury
The incident took place during the third over of Punjab Kings’ innings when Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel was bowling to opener Priyansh Arya. Arya went hard at a full delivery on the stumps, slicing the ball high towards the mid-off region. Ngidi tracked the ball while running backwards, looking set to complete the catch. However, he appeared to misjudge the flight at the final moment and failed to get underneath it properly.
As he lost balance, the tall pacer fell heavily backwards and the back of his head struck the hard surface of the Arun Jaitley Stadium with force. His head visibly bounced off the turf, immediately alarming everyone on the field. Ngidi instantly grabbed the back of his head in pain and rolled to his side before remaining still for a few tense moments, raising serious concern among both teams.
Here’s the video:
Hope Lungi Ngidi hasn’t suffered anything serious 🤯
Hope he recovers quicklyPray for lungi ngidi 🙏
#DCvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/X6Sh31UJ6T
— Dear Zindagi (@saumy99) April 25, 2026
Ambulance called as medical team responds quickly
The physio and team doctor rushed onto the field within seconds as players from both sides stood nearby looking worried. Given the nature of the fall, the medical staff carefully checked his head and neck area before moving him.
Ngidi stayed down for more than a minute while doctors assessed him. An ambulance was then brought directly onto the ground as the seriousness of the injury became clear. A neck brace was carefully placed under his head and secured around his neck to avoid any further movement before he was prepared to be taken off.
Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting also walked onto the field while the medical staff worked around the injured pacer. Concern was clearly visible in the Delhi Capitals dugout as the stretcher arrived. The crowd inside the stadium fell completely silent, understanding how serious the moment was. The hard outfield only added to fears about the impact of the fall and the possible consequences of such a heavy landing.
Here’s the video:
Lungi Ngidi has suffered a serious injury, and for the first time in IPL history, an ambulance has come onto the ground. This looks very serious—possibly a neck fracture, but hopefully it’s nothing that severe. 😱
It is also quite shameful for the Arun Jaitley Stadium DJ to play… pic.twitter.com/CrFFc3grvB
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) April 25, 2026
