New Delhi

Delhi Capitals pacer Lungi Ngidi was taken off the field on a stretcher and rushed to hospital after sustaining a head injury during his side’s Indian Premier League 2026 clash against Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the third over of Punjab’s innings, bowled by Axar Patel. Ngidi attempted to take a catch off a lofted shot from Priyansh Arya, but while moving backwards, he failed to judge the ball properly and fell awkwardly, hitting his head hard on the ground. The moment caused immediate concern among players and support staff.

Medical personnel quickly rushed onto the field, with team physios and doctors attending to Ngidi as he lay motionless. A stretcher was brought out, and an ambulance later entered the ground to transport him. Even Punjab’s head coach Ricky Ponting came onto the field to check on the injured player.

Ngidi was subsequently taken to Max Hospital Pusa Road for further medical evaluation and treatment. Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera was brought in as his replacement for the remainder of the match.

At that stage, Punjab were off to a flying start in their chase of a daunting 265-run target, racing to 116 without loss in the powerplay. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya led the charge with aggressive strokeplay.

Earlier, Delhi had posted a massive 264/2, powered by an unbeaten 152 from KL Rahul and a blistering 91 by Nitish Rana. The pair dominated the Punjab bowling attack, sharing a huge partnership that propelled their side past the 200-run mark well before the final overs.

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Despite a late wicket, Delhi finished strongly, setting up what promised to be a high-scoring encounter. However, the early part of Punjab’s chase was overshadowed by concern for Ngidi’s condition following the on-field accident.