Lungi Ngidi shares his IPL experience, explains how MS Dhoni helped him grow as a cricketer

South African pace sensation Lungi Ngidi showcased some impactful performances in the recently-concluded home bilateral series against India and now, it seems that he is excited to be a part of IPL 2022 which as of now is scheduled to get underway on March 27. The promising bowler has shared experiences from his IPL journey so far and also spoke of all he learned by playing for CSK under the talismanic skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s captaincy.

Ngidi was one of the strike bowlers for Chennai when the team had won two titles in 2018 and 2021 respectively. He had missed the 2019 season due to a Grade II muscle strain. CSK had finished as the runners-up that season after going down to arch-rivals Mumbai Indians by just one run in a thrilling finale.

“I think the main thing is just the control that he has over the team and on the field, he really does bring a sense of calm. I’ve also learnt a lot more in my time that I’ve been with CSK just under his captaincy in terms of field settings, game plans, and how to construct my bowling within an innings and I think from that moment it has really helped me grow as a cricketer”, said Ngidi while speaking to Times Now.

‘He automatically just changed my field’, says Lungi Ngidi

The Proteas speedster also recalled how MS Dhoni automatically changed the field and it worked extremely well in the team’s favor as the move not only resulted in two dot balls but also earned them a wicket during the IPL 2018 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

“It was the final against the Sunrisers (Hyderabad) in 2018, we hadn’t discussed a certain field placement but he automatically just changed my field and with that field, within a couple of balls, we got a wicket to the fielder that he had moved. So for me, that’s one thing that sticks out in my mind”, he said.

The 25-year-old was one of the key members of the CSK squad for four seasons (2018-2021). He was roped in by the franchise during the IPL 2018 mega auction for a sum of INR 50 lakhs. The defending champions might have released him but it would be interesting to see whether they will consider buying the South African pace sensation in the next month’s IPL 2022 mega auction.