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News India Live, Digital Desk: When a bowler works the magic of his fingers on the cricket field, even the greatest batsmen are forced to kneel. In the current era, South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi remains an enigma for batsmen around the world due to his ‘Off-Cutter’. Ngidi is often compared with India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, but do you know that Ngidi’s off-cutter is not only different from Bumrah, but why it is considered more difficult to play? Let us understand the science behind this deadly ball.
Ngidi’s ball does not ‘slide’ on the pitch, but ‘cuts’
Usually when fast bowlers bowl off-cutters, they move their fingers downwards while releasing the ball. But Lungi Ngidi’s specialty is his ‘release point’ and ‘seam position’. While most bowlers scrub the ball to reduce speed, Ngidi releases the ball in such a way that it comes to rest after hitting the pitch. His ball takes full advantage of the grip provided by the pitch surface, due to which the batsman moves the bat too early to play the shot and loses his wicket.
Bumrah vs Ngidi: Big difference in technique
Jasprit Bumrah’s off-cutter comes with his unique action and pace. Bumrah makes the ball suddenly turn with a flick of his wrist. In contrast, Lungi Ngidi’s action is more traditional, but his strength is the coordination of his shoulders and fingers. Ngidi’s ball floats less in the air than Bumrah’s and becomes more ‘deadly’ after being hit. Bumrah’s cutter is known to deceive the batsman, while Ngidi’s cutter forces the batsman to play wrong shots.
Why are the world’s great batsmen not able to understand?
The biggest secret of Ngidi’s success is his ‘arm speed’. When he bowls an off-cutter, his arm speed remains the same as a normal fastball. The batsman thinks the ball will come at a speed of 140+ km/h, but it comes slower due to being a ‘cutter’. This deception of pace makes Ngidi the most dangerous bowler in the death overs. Additionally, his length gives him extra bounce, which when combined with the cutters makes for a lethal combination.
Became ‘King’ in T-20 and ODI cricket
Statistics bear witness to the fact that whenever the pitch gets even a little slow, Lungi Ngidi breaks the back of the opposition team with his off-cutter. Be it IPL or international cricket, his special ball has made him a wicket-taking machine. This is why today’s coaches are advising youngsters to learn Bumrah’s variety as well as Ngidi’s accuracy and cutter technique.