I just want to keep the ball rolling and make sure that my career is very long: Lungi Ngidi

India’s tour of South Africa was a highly competitive and thrilling series between two quality sides, where the hosts dominated the Test series and the visitors took home the glory in the limited-overs leg. However, the Proteas side found a new fast bowler in Lungi Ngidi, who was quite impressive with his pace in the Test series and then also claimed a four-wicket haul in the ODI series. Lungi was the Man of the Match in his debut game and boosted the spirit of the South African bowling unit as they won the Test series 2-1.

I want to make my career grow very long

Ngidi was picked in the Proteas team for the second Test against India after the hosts suffered a crucial blow as their premier bowler Dale Steyn was ruled out of the series due to an injury. The youngster got his career off to an amazing start as he scalped six wickets on debut and his performance also helped his side claim a convincing victory in the second Test. Looking at the future, Ngidi wants to have a long cricketing career.

“I’ve still got years ahead of me. The first thing that I’d like to do is make sure my career’s very long. At the moment, I just want to keep the ball rolling. I’ve got some good momentum behind me,” said Ngidi as quoted by the ICC.

He also talked about his sensational debut and the moments. He noted that it is very difficult for a youngster like me to digest the reality of my performance in my first Test match.

“You wouldn’t expect something like that to happen on your debut. First of all, you’re just trying to get through the day. But to be able to perform like that, it helped me realize what I am capable of doing if I put my mind to it. I couldn’t have asked for a better debut and I look back on it now and I still think it’s a dream. I’m still struggling to let it sink in,” he added.

The right-arm quick bowler was also part of the South African team that won the home Test series against Australia 3-1. At present, Ngidi is playing in the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he is representing the Chennai Super Kings. He also stated that he is very excited for all the future opportunities.

“You wouldn’t expect something like that to happen on your debut. First of all, you’re just trying to get through the day. But to be able to perform like that, it helped me realise what I am capable of doing if I put my mind to it. I couldn’t have asked for a better debut and I look back on it now and I still think it’s a dream. I’m still struggling to let it sink in,” concluded the paceman.

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