Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the 2019 Indian Premier League due to injury.

Ngidi sustained a side strain during the recent fifth and final ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands in Cape Town.

‘Lungi felt discomfort while bowling during the last ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands and immediately stopped bowling,’ said team manager Mohammed Moosajee.

‘Further scans revealed a grade two muscle strain which will need up to four weeks of rest, followed by a rehabilitation programme leading up to the World Cup.’

The 22-year-old Ngidi debuted for the Chennai Super Kings last year – and had been retained for this season.

Fellow fast bowler Anrich Nortje, too, has been sidelined from the IPL due to a shoulder injury.

Nortje was scheduled to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders, after being purchased for approximately R400,000 at late last year’s player auction.

‘Nortje sustained a right shoulder injury and will be sidelined for six weeks. Unfortunately this injury will rule him out of the upcoming IPL, but with the World Cup in sight, it is important for us to make sure all of the World Cup hopefuls will be fit for selection,’ added Moosajee.

The 12th edition of the IPL will start on Saturday, when the Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk.

Photo: Getty