IPL 2019: CSK announces Lungi Ngidi's replacement for the season

Even before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were dealt with a huge blow. Lungi Ngidi, South Africa’s fast bowler, who played a major in the team’s title triumph last year, was ruled out due to injury. He was the only express fast bowler in the side and his ruling out was a major setback for them and all the eyes were on his replacement.

According to the reports in Cricbuzz, the CSK now have decided to replace him with New Zealand’s all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn who recently made his international debut. He is likely to join the team soon for the upcoming matches and most importantly, will be available for the whole season. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has granted its players to play the whole season unlike other boards ahead of the World Cup.

 Smart pick from CSK?

This seems to be the smart pick from the CSK franchise again. Along with his availability, Kuggeleijn can also bat and tonk the ball a fair way. He is also a decent death overs bowler, one area, where the team is lacking at the moment and are also playing with only three overseas players in the XI. In the 75 T20s he has played in his career, the 27-year-old has so far picked 67 wickets at an economy of 8.56.

Also, he has scored 454 runs with the bat at a decent enough strike-rate of close to 130. It will be interesting to see if MS Dhoni picks him in the side straightaway once Kuggeleijn is available.

In another development, it has also been reported that there will be no replacement for David Willey as he opted out of the tournament due to the personal reasons. Willey first delayed his joining awaiting the birth of his second child but there were more problems in that aspect according to Dailymail.

[interaction id=”5c9f3d70cd7bd9795414831d”]

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from the Indian Premier League, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.