Delhi Capitals face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday, April 27. It's a crucial fixture for both sides but Lungi Ngidi's fitness is also a worry after a scare.

 

RCB are on a strong run. They are placed second in the table with five wins from seven fixtures, and they are coming into this game after beating Gujarat Titans by 8 wickets.

 

Axar Patel's Delhi Capitals sit sixth with three wins from seven games and are heading into this match on the back of a crushing 91-run loss against Punjab Kings. They will be eager to make a statement at home.

 

Ngidi injury raises concern for DC

 

Ngidi picked up the injury while trying to catch a ball near the boundary as he lost his balance and landed badly on the back of his head.

 

Play was stopped immediately and he was immediately taken for medical attention. Latest reports have been positive so far and it seems he is stable and undergoing observation.

 

However head injuries are never taken lightly in cricket and stringent concussion rules have to be followed before players can return to the field even if they feel okay.

 

As such whether Lungi Ngidi will be available or not will be decided only after his medical assessment.

 

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DC likely to proceed cautiously

 

Delhi have not made an official confirmation yet, but Ngidi is expected to miss the match against RCB. Considering it is a head injury Delhi will likely want on the side of caution and definitely don't want to risk him so early in the competition.

 

If Ngidi isn't passed fit, Delhi would have to make a change in the lineup.

 

Mitchell Starc could have been an option to replace him but he is also likely to miss this fixture. The left-arm pacer is back with the squad and was set to return but has apparently joined after recovering from a shoulder injury and will be nursed back to full fitness. He is expected to be available from May 1.

 

If this happens, Dushmantha Chameera should slot into the playing XI. He was ineligible to play the last match due to team combination rules and should be available now.

 

Delhi Capitals will be desperate for a positive update from the medical staff. But even with all the will in the world they cannot afford to risk a player recovering from a head injury particularly so early in the season.