South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has acknowledged the significant impact of Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni on his career. Ngidi, currently a member of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), began his IPL journey under Dhoni’s leadership at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Ngidi’s Journey in IPL
Ngidi played with CSK from 2018 to 2021, participating in three seasons. During his initial season, he made a notable debut by claiming 11 wickets in just seven matches. However, an injury sidelined him for the subsequent season.
- 2018: 11 wickets in 7 matches
- 2019: Missed due to injury
- 2020: 9 wickets in 4 matches
- 2021: 5 wickets in 3 matches
- IPL 2022: Played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- IPL 2023: Joined Delhi Capitals
The Influence of MS Dhoni
Reflecting on his experiences, Ngidi emphasized how Dhoni’s calm demeanor as a captain benefited his growth as a player. Ngidi recalled, “I was very young, so having a captain who wasn’t emotional did help a lot in terms of keeping calm.” This mentorship allowed Ngidi to thrive, as he received consistent support and opportunities.
Current Team Dynamics
As part of the Delhi Capitals, Ngidi continues to apply the lessons learned from Dhoni. He maintains a strategic approach to the game, focusing on executing his plans rather than getting caught up in emotions. “I don’t play cricket emotionally as it is a bad place to be in,” he mentioned during a media interaction. Ngidi frequently engages with teammates like KL Rahul and Axar Patel to understand their batting perspectives.
MS Dhoni’s Legacy
Dhoni, revered for leading India to World Cup victories in 2007 and 2011, has also steered CSK to five IPL titles, a record-equalling achievement. Despite stepping down from captaincy, he remains influential within the team, having been retained by CSK for INR 4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season.
Ngidi’s journey, from the guidance of Dhoni to his current role with Delhi Capitals, illustrates the importance of mentorship and emotional intelligence in sports. As he continues to evolve as a player, Ngidi carries with him the principles instilled by one of cricket’s greatest leaders.
