Irfan Pathan Warns India: Lungi Ngidi's Slower Ball a "Big Threat"

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has highlighted South African pacer Lungi Ngidi as a significant threat to the Indian batting lineup ahead of their T20 World Cup Super Eight clash. Pathan specifically praised Ngidi's ability to bowl a perfectly disguised slower ball without any change in his action or arm speed, creating a 30 km/h speed differential. This deception often causes batters to play their shots too early, leading to their dismissal. The defending champions India will face an undefeated South African side in Ahmedabad to kick off the Super Eight stage.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan on Lungi Ngidi's Threat to India Before T20 WC Clash

  • Ngidi's deceptive slower ball
  • No change in action or arm speed
  • 30 km/h speed difference
  • Consistency in line
  • Threat to Indian batting lineup
2 min read

"Big threat against Indian batters": Irfan Pathan on Lungi Ngidi before T20 WC Super 8 clash

Irfan Pathan analyzes why SA's Lungi Ngidi is a major threat to Indian batters with his deceptive slower ball ahead of the T20 WC Super 8 clash.

"He is a big threat against Indian batters. - Irfan Pathan"

New Delhi, February 22

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan praised South Africa's pace bowler Lungi Ngidi ahead of the Super Eight clash at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Pathan shed light on the major threat that Ngidi causes on the Indian Batters. The all-rounder specifically mentioned the Proteas pace bowler's skills of delivering a slower ball without altering his arm speed or action, and his consistency of hitting the same lines, which deceives the batter to play early and gets his wickets.

"Lungi Ngidi bowls around 140 km/h, and his slower ones are around 110 km/h. That is a 30 km difference, which is big. One thing you notice is that every delivery he bowls finishes near the stumps. But more important is his release. Look at his action. When he is about to finish, the batter has already made up his mind that the ball will be quick.

"There is no change in his action or arm speed. Then suddenly he delivers a slower ball. That is why he fools batters. They do not let the ball come to them; they push at it early. That is how he takes wickets with his slower balls. He is a big threat against Indian batters." Pathan said.

South Africa finished at the top of Group D, after winning all four of their group stage matches against New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE and Canada. They will face the reigning champions, India, in the first Super Eight game at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

After remaining unbeaten in Group A, the defending champions head into the Super Eight stage with confidence. India will begin its Super Eight campaign against South Africa at Ahmedabad on February 22, followed by a clash against upbeat and undefeated Zimbabwe at Chennai on February 26, and will conclude against the West Indies at Kolkata on March 1.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Interesting analysis. That 30 km/h difference is massive in T20 cricket where every millisecond counts. The Indian think tank must be working on specific drills for this. Should be a fantastic tactical battle.
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Priya S
Respect to Irfan bhai for the insight, but I feel we are focusing too much on the opposition's threat. What about our bowlers? Bumrah and Arshdeep are in top form! Let's back our boys. The match is in Ahmedabad, our fortress! 💙
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Rahul R
Good point by Pathan. But honestly, our batters have faced the best in the world. Ngidi is good, but Rabada is their main man. If we see off the initial burst from Rabada and Nortje, we can target Ngidi in the middle overs. Strategy is key.
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Aman W
Yaar, sometimes these experts create unnecessary pressure by highlighting every single threat. Have some faith! Our team is number one for a reason. They will handle it. Just enjoy the game on Sunday. 🏏
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Kriti O
This is a respectful criticism of our approach: We tend to get over-analytical before big games. The mental game is half the battle. Instead of fearing Ngidi's slower ball, our batters should back their instincts and play freely. Too much analysis can paralyze.

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