Lungi Ngidi replacement: IPL defending champions have roped in the New Zealand fast bowler as Lungi Ngidi’s replacement.
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Defending champions Chennai Super Kings have finally named a replacement for injured South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. New Zealand fast bowler Scott Kuggeleijn has become the latest addition to the Super Kings squad.
Having played two ODIs and four T20Is for New Zealand, Kuggeleijn’s latest international appearance came in the T20I series against India last month. In 75 T20Is, Kuggeleijn has dismissed 67 batsmen at an average of 30.92, an economy rate of 8.56 and a strike rate of 21.6.
In the absence of Ngidi, CSK were banking on England all-rounder David Willey. However, with him ruling himself out of IPL 2019 due to family reasons, Chennai had no option but to call for an overseas fast bowler. IPL teams are allowed to name replacements for players who get injured and not who make themselves unavailable.
Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming highlighted the same and expressed his support for Willey. “We can’t replace David Willey, and David’s got a personal issue at home that he’s dealing with,” Fleming was quoted as saying earlier in the day.
“We’ve supported him and we’ll continue to support him, contrary to some of the statements that have come out. We can’t replace David Willey no matter what happens, so it’s just about us supporting him and his family as they go through some issues at home. So that’s the end of the story,” Fleming said.
Fleming expresses desires for an all-rounder
Laying emphasis on replacing Ngidi with an all-rounder, Fleming disclosed reasons behind calling in Kuggeleijn. “For Lungi, we’ve been a bit more selective. It’s obviously a different level of replacement player based on price, and we’ve gone with Scott Kuggeleijn, who’s a New Zealand international who bowls quick and bats well.
“So we’ve looked for an allrounder, who has good pace and good variations. He’ll be joining us next week,” Fleming added.
Speaking during Yorkshire’s pre-season media day at Headingley, Willey opened up on his absence from the cash-rich league and also revealed that Chennai have been very understanding and supportive in his decision.
“Unfortunately, due to family reasons I’ve had to pull out of the IPL. Chennai were very understanding and supportive as Yorkshire have been as well. It’s never an easy decision. Nonetheless it’s the right decision for the family. We are due to have our second baby and my wife has had a bit of a tough time so I need to be in England,” Willey was quoted as saying.
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