India vs South Africa: Lungi Ngidi sidelined from T20I series with ankle sprain

South Africa seamer Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against India with a left lateral ankle sprain. The 27-year-old has been released from the squad and begin rehabilitation process with his provincial team, Momentum Multiply Titans, under the supervision of the Proteas medical team.

His participation in the four-day clash from 14-17 December also appears doubtful. The first Test between India and South Africa starts on 26 December. A statement by Cricket South Africa said he will be “further assessed by the medical team.”

Ngidi was expected to lead South Africa’s pace attack alongside left-arm seamer Marco Jansen. But with Ngidi out of action, CSA have brought in Beuran Hendricks.

Hendricks, 33, a left-arm pacer, last played for South Africa in the shortest format back in 2021 against Ireland. He has taken 25 wickets from 19 T20Is.

South Africa’s bowling department looks weak with less experienced bowlers in the form of Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee and Lizaad Williams. Kagiso Rabada has been rested for the white-ball leg of the series.

India’s series will start on 10 December with three T20 matches in Durban, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and Johannesburg. They will then switch formats for three 50-over matches between 17-21 December.

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The first Test will start on 26 December in Pretoria, with the second on 3 January at Newlands in Cape Town.