Delhi Police established a green corridor on Saturday to expedite the hospital transfer of Delhi Capitals fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who sustained a head injury during the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings in Delhi.
Ngidi was taken off the field in an ambulance after a serious injury while attempting a catch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He was rushed for medical examination, and Delhi Traffic Police arranged a special route to ensure no delay in reaching the hospital.
Swift Coordination for Emergency Care
DCP Traffic, Central Range, Delhi Police stated, "During the IPL match between Delhi and Punjab, an unfortunate incident occurred when Lungi Ngidi sustained a serious head injury on the field. Upon contacting the match organisers, it was learnt that the injured player needed urgent medical attention and was required to be shifted to BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Rajendra Nagar. Acting swiftly, ACP Traffic/Central District, Sanjay Singh immediately coordinated with the Police Control Room and directed the creation of a Green Corridor to ensure the uninterrupted movement of the ambulance. The ambulance successfully reached the hospital in a remarkable 11 minutes, cutting through peak-hour traffic and ensuring timely medical care."
The IPL later confirmed that the South African pacer was stable and expected to be discharged shortly.
IPL Confirms Ngidi's Condition
"Lungi Ngidi of Delhi Capitals hit his head on the ground while attempting to take a catch during his team's match against Punjab Kings. He was shifted to the hospital in an ambulance as he complained of a headache and neck pain," IPL said on X. "Ngidi is stable and is due to be discharged shortly from the hospital. Vipraj Nigam is on the field as a concussion substitute," it added.
How the Injury Occurred
The incident happened on the third ball of the second over when Ngidi tried to catch Punjab Kings opener Priyansh Arya off Axar Patel's bowling. Arya had miscued the shot, and Ngidi moved in to complete the chance. However, he misjudged the flight of the ball. It went past his outstretched right hand while he was airborne. As a result, the South African pacer landed on his back, and the back of his head hit the ground hard, leaving him in pain.
He immediately held his head as medical staff rushed onto the field with a stretcher. Ngidi was seen responding to the support staff while fellow South African players Tristan Stubbs and David Miller came to check on him. Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting and DC head coach Hemang Badani were also seen near him before he was stretchered into the ambulance and taken to the hospital.
