Career Timeline of Lungi Ngidi: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Lungi Ngidi built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lungisani True-man Ngidi is a South African professional cricketer who represents the South Africa national cricket team. He was recognized as one of the five Cricketers of the Year at the 2018 South African Cricket Annual Awards. In 2020, Cricket South Africa named him both ODI and T20I cricketer of the year. Notably, Ngidi was part of the South African team that emerged victorious in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

January 2017: Included in T20I squad against Sri Lanka and T20I Debut

In January 2017, Lungi Ngidi was selected for South Africa's Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for their series against Sri Lanka and debuted in T20I.

January 2018: Bought by Chennai Super Kings in IPL auction

In January 2018, Lungi Ngidi was acquired by the Chennai Super Kings during the 2018 IPL auction.

January 2018: Added to South Africa's Test squad and Test Debut

In January 2018, Lungi Ngidi was added to South Africa's Test squad for the second Test against India and made his Test debut on January 13, 2018.

February 2018: Named in ODI squad against India and ODI Debut

In February 2018, Lungi Ngidi was selected for South Africa's One Day International (ODI) squad for their series against India and made his ODI debut on February 7, 2018.

March 2018: Awarded a national contract by Cricket South Africa

In March 2018, Lungi Ngidi was awarded a national contract by Cricket South Africa, ahead of the 2018–19 season.

April 2019: Named in South Africa's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup

In April 2019, Lungi Ngidi was included in South Africa's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

March 2020: Took first five-wicket haul in ODI cricket

On March 4, 2020, Lungi Ngidi achieved his first five-wicket haul in ODI cricket during the second ODI against Australia. He also became the fastest South African bowler to reach 50 ODI wickets, achieving this in his 26th match.

July 2020: Called for discussion about Black Lives Matter movement

In July 2020, Lungi Ngidi urged the national team to discuss and support the Black Lives Matter movement in South African cricket, also addressing institutionalised racism. His comments drew both support and criticism.

April 2021: Named in Northerns' squad for 2021–22 season

In April 2021, Lungi Ngidi was included in the Northerns' squad in preparation for the 2021–22 cricket season in South Africa.

September 2021: Named in South Africa's squad for 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup

In September 2021, Lungi Ngidi was selected for South Africa's squad for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

February 2022: Bought by Delhi Capitals in IPL auction

In February 2022, Lungi Ngidi was bought by the Delhi Capitals in the auction for the 2022 Indian Premier League tournament.

July 2022: Took first five-wicket haul in T20I cricket

In July 2022, during the first match of the series against England, Lungi Ngidi achieved his first five-wicket haul in T20I cricket.

May 2023: Signed by San Francisco Unicorns

In May 2023, Major League Cricket (MLC) Team San Francisco Unicorns announced the signing of Lungi Ngidi for the inaugural season.

May 2024: Named as a reserve player in South Africa’s squad for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament

In May 2024, Lungi Ngidi was named as a reserve player in South Africa’s squad for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament.

June 2025: Played in the 2025 World Test Championship final against Australia

In June 2025, Lungi Ngidi played in the 2025 World Test Championship final against Australia, South Africa's first appearance in a World Test Championship final. He took 3 wickets in the second innings which substantially contributed to South Africa's eventual five-wicket victory.