For Lungi Ngidi, the turning level in his evolution as a T20 bowler didn’t come on the worldwide stage however within the observe nets of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
A largely forgettable 2018 season by way of recreation time with Chennai Tremendous Kings ended up reshaping his craft, as hours spent observing and studying from Dwayne Bravo helped him develop the slower ball right into a key weapon.
Ngidi, who returned figures of 0 for 15 in 4 overs, together with 10 dot balls, in opposition to India within the T20 World Cup recreation in Ahmedabad on Sunday, as soon as once more showcased the variations which have turn into central to his T20 strategy. He blended vast yorkers with change-ups, making it troublesome for the batters to settle.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav discovered it exhausting to line him up, usually shaping to play what he anticipated can be an off-cutter by means of the leg-side, solely to face a unique variation.
Tracing the roots of that transformation, Ngidi stated the work started throughout his time on the IPL.
“Like I’ve all the time stated, I used to be on the IPL in 2018 with Bravo, and that whole IPL, that’s all I labored on. I wasn’t enjoying, so I obtained time to practise it. After which after I obtained again to South Africa, I simply tried to good that ball.”
He admitted that mastering the artwork of change-ups was a gradual course of.
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“Whether or not it’s a slow-ball yorker, again of a size or a slow-ball bouncer. So, three completely different lengths with the identical ball. I assume you’ve obtained to guess which one’s coming subsequent.”
Ngidi additionally believes not all the time being the centre of consideration works in his favour.
“I feel most likely simply flying below the radar. So, not many individuals take note of me. However I assume that helps me by way of with the ability to use all these variations.”
Explaining his strategy in opposition to India, he stated he used his leg-cutter after noticing the batter’s set-up.
“I might see Surya arrange as properly, seeking to elevate it over the leg facet. So, simply to point out him one thing completely different and maintain him guessing.”
For Ngidi, the spell was formed extra by recreation consciousness than the pursuit of wickets.
“I used to be wanting on the scoreboard and their place. It was extra about constructing stress than attempting to place my identify within the wickets column.”
He believes the slower ball provides him a bonus, particularly in an period the place batters look to dominate early.
“When you begin second-guessing your choices, that’s what a bowler actually desires in the long run,” Ngidi added.
Revealed on Feb 23, 2026