Lungi Ngidi Attributes T20 Bowling Prowess to IPL Training with Dwayne Bravo
For South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, a crucial turning point in his development as a T20 specialist did not occur on the grand stage of international cricket but rather in the practice nets of the Indian Premier League. The 2018 season with the Chennai Super Kings, though offering limited match opportunities, became a foundational period for Ngidi as he honed his craft alongside veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo.
Mastering Variations Through Dedicated Practice
During that IPL stint, Ngidi dedicated extensive hours to refining his slower deliveries, a skill that has since become a hallmark of his bowling arsenal. He recalls, "Like I've always said, I was at the IPL in 2018 with Bravo, and that entire IPL, that's all I worked on. I wasn't playing, so I got time to practice it. And then when I got back to South Africa, I just tried to perfect that ball." This focused training allowed him to develop a repertoire of change-ups, including slow ball yorkers, back-of-length deliveries, and slow ball bouncers, all executed with the same action to keep batsmen guessing.
Strategic Execution in T20 World Cup Clash
Ngidi's preparation paid off handsomely in a recent T20 World Cup match against India, where he delivered an economical spell of 0 for 15 in four overs, including 10 dot balls. He relied on subtle variations and clever pace changes, frequently mixing wide yorkers with cutters to disrupt the Indian batting lineup. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav found it particularly challenging to read Ngidi's deliveries, often anticipating an off-cutter only to be surprised by a different variation.
Detailing his strategy, Ngidi explained, "And then tonight, I used my leg cutter because I know that they’re obviously probably preparing for just an off-cutter. I could see Surya set up as well, looking to sort of just lift it over the leg side. So just to show him something different, keep him guessing. And that seemed to work pretty well."
Embracing the Role of Pressure Builder
Rather than focusing solely on taking wickets, Ngidi emphasized the importance of building pressure in T20 cricket. He stated, "But I guess just looking at the scoreboard and seeing their position, I kind of knew what I had to do. It was pretty much more build pressure than try to be greedy and put my name up in the wickets column. So, yeah, using that tactic, I guess it worked off pretty well tonight." This approach aligns with his belief that creating doubt in batsmen's minds is key to bowling success.
Advantages of Flying Under the Radar
Ngidi also highlighted how staying under the radar benefits his game. He noted, "I think probably just flying under the radar. So not many people pay attention to me. But I guess that helps me in terms of being able to use all these variations." This low-profile status allows him to execute his plans without excessive scrutiny, giving him an edge in high-pressure situations.
He elaborated on the tactical advantage of his slower ball, saying, "But I think having my slower ball gives me the upper hand in terms of batsmen can't just swing every ball. We've seen that a bit in the power play. So once you have to think, I think that's where I come into the game." Ultimately, Ngidi aims to force batsmen into second-guessing their options, a strategy he believes leads to increased pressure and favorable outcomes for bowlers.
Reflecting on his journey, Ngidi's story underscores the value of dedicated practice and mentorship in cricket, with his IPL experience serving as a catalyst for his growth into a formidable T20 bowler.
