IPL 2026 | Can't rely on Test-match lengths in T20: Lungi Ngidi

TL;DR

Lungi Ngidi emphasizes the need for fast bowlers to adapt their techniques in T20 cricket, stating that relying solely on good-length deliveries is ineffective. He highlights the importance of variations, especially under pressure, to succeed in the shorter format.

Key points

Lungi Ngidi is now a regular in Delhi Capitals' IPL XI.
He emphasizes the need for variations in T20 bowling.
Ngidi has gained attention for his slower ball technique.

Lungi NgidiDelhi CapitalsIPL 2026

NEW DELHI: The crafty Lungi Ngidi has been around since 2018 but it’s only now that he commands a place in an IPL team’s regular XI as the pace spearhead of Delhi Capitals, thanks largely to the dipping slower ball that he unleashed in the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

The South African pacer feels a good Test-match length delivery never go out of fashion but the unforgiving nature of T20s means fast bowlers can’t completely rely on goodlength deliveries.

“In the shorter format, we don’t rely too much on the stock ball. Guys are looking for 70 runs in the Powerplay. If you keep bowling the same thing, the batter is going to catch you. Hitting the top of off stump regularly in an over, I can say two of them will go for boundaries. Having variations is good so that you can fall back on them if the stock ball is not working,” Ngidi said on Thursday, adding, “Good Test-match lengths will never leave the game. Only thing I am saying is that variations help under pressure.”

Ngidi is a bit surprised by the sudden hype around his slower ball. “It seems everyone is surprised but I’ve been bowling the slower ones for years. I’m probably giving it more flight,” he said.

‘Nabi reminds me of Bhuvi’
Ngidi played only a handful of matches in the previous eight seasons of the IPL but used that time to observe and learn from even India’s domestic bowlers. “I’ve been seeing IPL trends. Everyone wants to bowl fast. On batting-friendly wickets like these, you’ve got to find something different. It took me close to a year to deliver this ball.”

Ngidi said he was keen on talking to pacers who are grinding away in domestic cricket to understand the conditions better. This year, he was eager to meet Auqib Nabi when he was picked up by Delhi Capitals.

“Nabi reminds me of Bhuvi, who can swing the ball both ways. I am fascinated to know what he did to get so many wickets in domestic cricket. He can bowl quick, swing the ball and also hit the ball hard. He is a complete package,” Ngidi said.

Q&A

Why does Lungi Ngidi believe variations are important in T20 cricket?

Lungi Ngidi believes variations are crucial in T20 cricket because batters are aggressive and can easily capitalize on predictable deliveries, making it essential for bowlers to adapt.

What has contributed to Lungi Ngidi's rise in the IPL with Delhi Capitals?

Lungi Ngidi's rise in the IPL with Delhi Capitals is attributed to his effective slower ball, which he showcased during the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

How does Lungi Ngidi compare Test-match lengths to T20 bowling?

Ngidi acknowledges that while good Test-match lengths are timeless, T20 cricket requires bowlers to be more versatile and not rely solely on traditional lengths due to the aggressive batting style.