Williamson, Kohli, Smith, Babar, Warner have been my biggest challenges as a bowler: Lungi Ngidi Premium

Lungi Ngidi discusses his cricket career, idols, and interests in an interview with The Hindu, including his Test debut success.

Lungi Ngidi sizzled on his Test debut. The quick took six for 39 in the second innings for South Africa in the second Test against India at Centurion in early 2018. Injuries may have marred his career since then, but he remains one of the key bowlers for the Proteas, for whom he has claimed 204 wickets in international cricket across formats. Excerpts from Ngidi’s interview with The Hindu:

South Africa has a great tradition of producing quality fast bowlers. Who were the pacers that you wanted to emulate, growing up?

Makhaya Ntini was definitely one. You know, he is my idol. He has also coached me. I had gone to a camp for Under-15 or 16, and he was there. And he gave me a lot of tips there. I have also admired Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander. I was fortunate enough to play with some of these guys as well. So, I think one day when I retire, I can look back at my career and say, I think I did all right.

How has it been bowling alongside Kagiso Rabada all these years?

KG is one of my best friends, so it is always a lot of fun playing with him. We started playing together since, I think, we were 16. We have been playing together for 11 years now. So, yeah, basically it is like playing along with my brother. So I enjoy it a lot. I try to work in partnership with KG whenever I bowl with him and to create a bit of pressure so he can take wickets. But at the end of the day, if I am getting the wickets, I am not going to be complaining.

Which Indian pace bowlers have impressed you?

The most impressive for me has been Mohammed Siraj. When he started, he showed a lot of promise and then he has just gotten better and better over the years. I have got a lot of respect for other Indian seamers, for the skill level that they have. I love watching the way Mohammed Shami bowls. And Umesh Yadav has always been one of my favourites.