Ngidi Drafted into SA Squad as Rabada Remains Doubtful

Lungi Ngidi has been drafted into South Africa’s squad for the second Test against India in Guwahati, strengthening the visitors’ pace attack as Kagiso Rabada remains doubtful with a rib injury.

Rabada missed the Kolkata Test, where South Africa sealed their first victory in India since 2010, and his ongoing recovery has opened the door for Ngidi’s return.

Ngidi linked up with the squad in Kolkata on Tuesday ahead of their trip to Guwahati, where the Test begins on Saturday. Although he has 20 Test caps, the fast bowler has featured only three times in the format since his comeback against India in Cape Town early last year. His most recent red-ball outing came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June, and he has played just once in India, going wicketless in Ranchi in 2019.

Despite limited Test time, Ngidi arrives with recent overs behind him after appearing in South Africa’s ODI and T20I series in Pakistan, as well as a CSA T20 Challenge match for the Titans last week.