For Lungi Ngidi, the turning point in his evolution as a T20 bowler did not come on the international stage but in the practice nets of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
A largely forgettable 2018 season in terms of game time with Chennai Super Kings ended up reshaping his craft, as hours spent observing and learning from Dwayne Bravo helped him develop the slower ball into a key weapon.
Ngidi, who returned figures of 0 for 15 in four overs, including 10 dot balls, against India in the T20 World Cup game in Ahmedabad on Sunday, once again showcased the variations that have become central to his T20 approach. He mixed wide yorkers with change-ups, making it difficult for the batters to settle.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav found it hard to line him up, often shaping to play what he anticipated would be an off-cutter through the leg-side, only to face a different variation.
Tracing the roots of that transformation, Ngidi said the work began during his time at the IPL.
“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 practise it. And then when I got back to South Africa, I just tried to perfect that ball.”
He admitted that mastering the art of change-ups was a gradual process.
“Whether it’s a slow-ball yorker, back of a length or a slow-ball bouncer. So, three different lengths with the same ball. I guess you’ve got to guess which one’s coming next.”
Ngidi also believes not always being the centre of attention works in his favour.
“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.”
Explaining his approach against India, he said he used his leg-cutter after noticing the batter’s set-up.
“I could see Surya set up as well, looking to lift it over the leg side. So, just to show him something different and keep him guessing.”
For Ngidi, the spell was shaped more by game awareness than the pursuit of wickets.
“I was looking at the scoreboard and their position. It was more about building pressure than trying to put my name in the wickets column.”
He believes the slower ball gives him an advantage, especially in an era where batters look to dominate early.
“Once you start second-guessing your options, that’s what a bowler really wants in the end,” Ngidi added.
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