When Lungi Ngidi's injury silenced the stadium; IPL's most shocking injuries

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed several shocking injuries happening to players over the years, highlighting the risks of high-intensity cricket. Delhi Capitals pacer Kagiso Rabada's injury prompted concern all over due to the freakish nature of its impact.

From freak accidents to career-threatening blows, the Indian Premier League has witnessed several instances where the player's career was at stake.

The most impactful injuries in IPL history

The IPL is prominent for its fierce competition and glamour, but it has also witnessed moments of heartbreak when injuries struck key players. Such incidents have reshaped the team's fortunes and have left the fans bamboozled.

Lungi Ngidi's Head Injury (2026): During the Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match, Lungi Ngidi fell backwards while attempting a catch and hit the back of his head and neck hard while landing. The severity of the impact prompted medical assistance with medical staff and physios checking on him.

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Ngidi was eventually stretchered off into an ambulance and was admitted to Max Hospital in Rajender Nagar, Delhi. Players and fans were visibly shaken after the frightening incident, and the game was halted for 15-20 minutes.

Young DC Player Hit On Face With Ball (2026): While this incident did not take place during a match, the severity of the injury the cricketer dealt with is unfortunate. Ahead of the DC vs PBKS IPL 2026 match, 18-year-old Sahil Parakh was injured during a training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Sahil was struck on the face with a ball while training in the nets. A video of the incident showed the cricketer bleeding from his face, and he was being stretchered off inside an ambulance and rushed to a local medical facility.

Mayank Yadav's Breakout Season Halted (2024): Lucknow Super Giants' Mayank Yadav was forced out of the IPL 2024 season after sustaining a side strain. He made a great impact during his time in the season after clocking 150 kmph and scalping multiple wickets.

But Mayank's breakout season was cut short due to the injury he sustained during LSG's match against GT on April 7, 2024.

Shane Watson Playing The IPL 2019 Final With A Bleeding Knee (2019): In the IPL 2019 Final, Shane Watson injured his left leg while diving for a run during the chase against the Mumbai Indians. His knee was bleeding, but he hid the wound from his teammates and continued to bat, scoring 80 runs in 59 deliveries.

Watson required six stitches following the match, in which the Mumbai Indians emerged victorious by just one run. But his efforts were hailed as a sign of unmatched commitment.

KL Rahul Injures Right Thigh (2023): Veteran KL Rahul tore his right thigh tendon on May 1, 2023, in a match against RCB. He hurt himself while sprinting to stop a ball in the outfield and was forced to leave the field.

KL required surgery and was out of action for quite a while. He missed out on the WTC Final and a tour of the Caribbean that year but returned just in time for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup at home.

Ayush Mhatre's Breakout Season Abruptly Ends (2026): IPL 2026 was supposed to be a breakout season for Ayush Mhatre, who has struck 201 in six matches at a 177.87 strike rate for the Chennai Super Kings. The top-order batter was flourishing for the side until he injured his left hamstring.

Mhatre hurt himself while attempting a second run during a match against SRH. Despite being in visible pain, he continued to bat before being dismissed and was eventually ruled out of the season.

Some of IPL's most brutal injuries remind us that there lies a game of immense risk and resilience behind all the glitz and glory.