Why is Lungi Ngidi not playing today’s IPL 2020 match vs Delhi Capitals?

Lungi Ngidi not playing: The runners-up have decided to rest their overseas fast bowler for their third match of IPL 2020.

During the seventh match of the ongoing 13th season of the Indian Premier League between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings in Dubai, Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has won the toss and elected to field for the third consecutive occasion this season.

Dhoni, who faced severe criticism for batting at No. 7 in a 217-run chase against Rajasthan Royals, opened up on his expected batting position for this match. “As far as my batting position goes, I’ll do whatever is best for the team,” Dhoni said during the toss.

“I think we need to respect the conditions and the fact that dew will play a part. Maybe the teams batting second so far in the tournament have made mistakes to not win. It looks better to bat second on TV. Some of the wickets might slow down as the tournament progresses,” he added.

Why is Lungi Ngidi not playing today’s match?

Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony after losing against Royals by 17 runs, Dhoni had signaled out fast bowler Lungi Ngidi bowling a couple of no-balls in the death overs without naming him.

While Dhoni wasn’t asked about the reason behind dropping Ngidi, one feels the 24-year old bowler conceding 94 runs in the eight overs that he has bowled in IPL 2020 so far hasn’t worked in his favour.

In Ngidi’s absence, CSK have decided to include Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood who will be making his debut in the Indian Premier League.

Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have made a couple of changes in the form of spinner Amit Mishra and pacer Avesh Khan coming in for injured spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and pacer Mohit Sharma.