South African pacer Lungi Ngidi out of IPL with side strain

Defending IPL champions Chennai Super Kings suffered a blow ahead of the season opener with South African paceman Lungi Ngidi being ruled out of the tournament due to a side strain suffered during the ODI series against Sri Lanka.

The South Africa team manager Dr. Mohammed Moosajee was quoted as saying on the ICC website that Ngidi had felt discomfort while bowling during the last ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands and immediately stopped bowling.

"Lungi felt discomfort while bowling during the last ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands and immediately stopped bowling. Further scans revealed a Grade II muscle strain which will need up to four weeks of rest followed by a rehab programme leading up to the World Cup," Moosajee said.

Ngidi was to play for CSK, who he represented in last year's IPL. CSK plays the opener of IPL-12 against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M A Chidambaram stadium here on March 23.