India, April 28 -- Lungi Ngidi is stable and recovering now, but when he suffered a nasty neck injury, a sense of dread descended on players and fans alike. Last week, during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the South African pacer landed awkwardly, appearing to impact his neck heavily on the turf. The 30-year-old collapsed immediately, prompting the physio to rush out. Concern deepened when Ngidi remained motionless and unresponsive, leading to an ambulance entering the field and a neck brace being fitted to the speedster.

Ngidi was slowly and carefully moved into the ambulance. The priority was to get him to the hospital as quickly as possible. But it was 6:...