There’s a bit of buzz in the air as we look ahead to Lungi Ngidi’s IPL team in 2026. The South African pacer has been turning heads recently, and with the IPL trade window looming, his name is floating around more than a feather at the toss. Could there be a change of kit colours for the big man? Let’s have a natter about it, shall we?
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Why Might RCB Let Him Go?
Right, so why on earth would Lungi Ngidi in RCB suddenly be in doubt? After all, the bloke’s been steaming in and bowling thunderbolts. Well, his recent performances have been nothing short of electric, especially that five-for against the Aussies at the Great Barrier Reef Arena last month.
A fiery performance won Lungi Ngidi the Player of the Match award in the second ODI 👌#AUSvSA 📝: https://t.co/AmJlIDzV4N pic.twitter.com/3KPWMeMQuS
— ICC (@ICC) August 23, 2025
He also picked up three vital wickets in the WTC 2025 final, reminding everyone exactly what he’s made of. With numbers like that, Ngidi’s stock has shot up faster than ticket prices at a day-night Test. So now, there’s chatter that he might be eyeing a juicier IPL contract, which might make him on the RCB 2026 released players list.
3 Likely Lungi Ngidi’s IPL Team in 2026

Delhi Capitals – Desperate for Depth
Delhi Capitals are in dire need of some proper firepower with the ball. Apart from Mitchell Starc doing the heavy lifting in 2025, the rest of the pace unit looked a bit like warm beer, flat and underwhelming. Dushmantha Chameera went for plenty, Mohit Sharma barely took wickets, and T Natarajan was often injured. Bringing in someone like Lungi Ngidi in RCB could be just the boost they need. He can bowl in all three phases, up front, middle overs, and at the death, and he’s not shy of the big stage either.

Gujarat Titans – Overseas Pacer Problems
Moving west to Ahmedabad, the Gujarat Titans didn’t exactly have a vintage year with their overseas quicks. Kagiso Rabada’s season was cut short due to a ban, and Gerald Coetzee’s economy rate was – well, let’s be kind and say “unhelpful”. GT’s bowling was carried by Prasidh Krishna, but beyond that? Tumbleweeds. A proven performer like Ngidi could slot right in and give them much-needed stability. On those flat Ahmedabad decks, his pace and variations could be gold dust. So don’t be surprised if they start sniffing around for Lungi Ngidi in RCB.

Chennai Super Kings – The Death Overs Conundrum
Ah, the good old Chennai Super Kings. Always in the mix, but in 2025, they struggled mightily in the middle and death overs. Conceding over ten runs per over and barely taking wickets in that phase. Enter Ngidi. He’s got a T20 strike rate of a wicket every 14.5 balls, and he knows how to use the slowness of Chennai’s pitch to his advantage, cutters, back-of-a-length deliveries, the lot. Plus, he’s already familiar with the yellow jersey, having played for CSK in the past. If Lungi Ngidi’s IPL team in 2026 does change, CSK might be a familiar homecoming, and a smart one at that.

The RCB Dilemma:To Trade or Not to Trade?
Back at base, RCB 2026 released players list isn’t out yet, but there’s growing speculation that Ngidi might find himself on it, either by request or design. With his price tag climbing, RCB may be reluctant to shell out the big bucks, especially if they’re rebuilding around younger domestic talent.

But letting go of someone like Ngidi isn’t easy. He’s been solid, reliable, and as we’ve seen, absolutely lethal on his day. If Lungi Ngidi in RCB is coming to an end, they’d better make sure they get something decent in return. Because whichever team ends up with him next is going to get a match-winner.

Wrapping Up
So, as we wait to see what becomes of Lungi Ngidi’s IPL team in 2026, one thing’s for certain: the lad’s hot property right now. Whether it’s Delhi shoring up their pace attack, Gujarat fixing their overseas gaps, or CSK plugging their death bowling holes, someone’s going to come knocking. The only question is: will RCB answer the door? With all the buzz about RCB 2026 released players, this trade window’s going to be anything but dull.













