CSK rope in Scott Kuggeleijn as Ngidi's replacement

Kuggeleijn has been drafted in as replacement for Lungi Ngidi © Getty

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings have roped in New Zealand pacer Scott Kuggeleijn as replacement for the injured Lungi Ngidi, the team's head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed on Saturday (March 30).

Kuggeleijn, who made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka in Auckland in January, recently also featured in the three-match T20I series against India at home. The 27-year-old is expected to join the team next week.

"For Lungi, we've been a little bit more selective. It's obviously a different level of replacement player (required for him) based on price. We've gone with Scott Kuggeleijn, who's a New Zealand international, who bowls quick and bats well. So we've gone for an all-rounder who has good pace and good variations. He'll be joining us next week," Fleming told reporters on the eve of their second home game, on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Fleming also confirmed that CSK cannot seek a replacement for David Willey, who has pulled out of the tournament due to family reasons. The English allrounder has chosen to stay at home to be with his wife for the birth of his second child.

"We can't replace David Willey. David's got a personal issue at home that he's dealing with and we're supporting him and we'll continue to support him. So contrary to some of the statements that have come out, we can't replace David Willey no matter what happens. It's just about us supporting him and his family as they go through some issues at home, and we support his decision to be at home. So we can't replace him."

Willey was one among the eight foreign recruits in the defending champions' initial squad. He was brought in last year as a replacement for injured Kedar Jadhav and had subsequently been retained ahead of the 2019 edition. Consequently, CSK will be left with seven foreign imports this season.

CSK are currently second in the points table, behind Kolkata Knight Riders, having won both their games thus far. They take on Rajasthan Royals next, at home on March 31.