Chennai Super Kings, the defending champions of Indian Premier League will open the IPL 2019, playing Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 23. However, they will do so without the services of one of their fastest bowlers.

In a big blow to CSK, South African Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the upcoming season of popular T20 league after picking up a side strain during the ODI series against Sri Lanka. He was bought for INR 50 lakh before the 2018 season, taking 11 wickets in seven games for CSK, at an economy of 6 and a strike-rate of less than 15. In the 5th ODI against Sri Lanka, Ngidi felt discomfort while bowling at Newlands and immediately stopped bowling. Further scans revealed a Grade II muscle strain.

South African manager said, “Lungi felt discomfort while bowling during the last ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands and immediately stopped bowling and will need up to four weeks of rest followed by a rehab program leading up to the World Cup.”

The 22-year-old was expected to be their first-choice overseas seamer this season after he successfully recovered from a long injury layoff to return to the national team. CSK have England’s David Willey as the foreign fast bowler, while Indian contingent includes Shardul Thakur, Mohit Sharma, Deepak Chahar, and KM Asif.

(inputs from Cricbuzz.com)