IPL 2018: CSK pacer Lungi Ngidi travels back home after the death of his father

South Africa’s latest pace bowling sensation Lungi Ngidi’s father Jerome Ngidi passed away on Friday morning following a recent back operation. Details of the burial service will be finalized in a short time. The pacer is currently part of MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2018. Lungi is expected to reach South Africa anytime soon.

He plays for the domestic team Titans, the chief executive of the team‚ Jacques Faul confirmed that they have been informed about the tragic news and they are ready to assist the family at this difficult time, “I can confirm the sad news and our deepest condolences go to his family and friends. As a cricket family‚ we will assist wherever we can at this difficult time for the family‚” Faul said to Times Live.

CSK to seek the replacement?

With Ngidi’s absence, CSK have been hit with another blow after losing Mitchell Santner, Kedar Jadhav for the whole tournament. They will also be without Suresh Raina in the upcoming two games. With Mark Wood not performing at expected levels, Ngidi was expected to make it to the XI, but that’s when he got the sad news.

CSK might look for the replacement if the pacer doesn’t return back to India any time soon. For the Chennai franchise to go all the way in the tournament, they have to pick perfect replacements for both Mitchell Santner and Lungi Ngidi.

Ngidi in prime form for SA

Lungi has featured in three games in the longest format of the game for Proteas and took 14 wickets in just six innings. He has picked 8 wickets in 4 ODIs and six wickets in the shortest format of the game.

He was in prime form during the recently concluded Test series against India. With Dale Steyn’s injury and Morne Morkel’s retirement, Lungi has a bright future ahead for South Africa. He’s expected to play the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka later in the year.