Here’s a lesson in quiet humility and one that stands true and fair - just as it is- for both emerging talents in the game as well as the established or preeminent names. And it’s that much like surprise finishes to contests, big hundreds or prized bowling spells, injuries too, one ought to note, are part of the modern day game. And that in certain cases, injuries can lead to a concerning situation out there on the cricket ground. Something that can’t go amiss when it strikes!

So why are speaking on those lines

 

The recently concluded high octane contest- widely described as the Northern Derby- between the Delhi Capitals and the Punjab Kings featured a glaring and humbling reality of the sport apart from a grave injury. While fielding in the initial stages of the second innings with Punjab in midst of the run chase and the hosts, Delhi in the field, the latter were struck with a seemingly nightmarish blow. Lungi Ngidi, who happens to be such a critical aspect of the Delhi Capitals’ bowling arsenal, attempted to take a catch of Priyansh Arya in the long on region but failed to collect it. In so doing, he fell backwards in the misdirected attempt and landed on the back of his head with the ground striking that region of his scalp.  

What did that lead to In simple words, a tense atmosphere. The game had to be literally stopped for quite an interval of time at an important juncture in which the prime focus shifted to reviving the injured Ngidi. Although wide awake, but nursing what was visibly exhausting pain that he was enduring, the South African pacer had to be stretchered off the ground and later on, the ambulance quickly dispersed from the ground taking the right arm seamer for a few important scans and checks to a nearby hospital.

But how was the swift treatment nursed

As it turns out, an important member of the Delhi Traffic police opened up on the subject of the smooth transition of the cricketer from the ground at Arun Jaitley stadium to the BLK hospital.

DCP Traffic Nishant Gupta says, "As soon as Delhi Police got information that a player, Lungi Nagidi, was injured, we spoke to the control room, created a green corridor and cleared the way for BL Kapoor. “When we came to know that the ambulance drivers did not know the route of BL Kapoor, ACP Traffic Central District Sanjay Singh took the lead and guided the ambulance, covering a distance of nine kilometres in just eleven minutes... The player was discharged after treatment."

Having said that, it is very likely that Ngidi may not feature in the next contest, until further notice, and is perhaps better off resting and taking good care in order to bounce back strongly. Kudos to all those involved in rendering quick medical relief and aid to the talented cricketer.