The 27-year-old South African national cricket team pacer Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against the Indian national cricket team, in a major blow to the Proteas.

South Africa have suffered a major setback ahead of the three-match T20I series against India starting on Sunday, December 10, with fast bowler Lungi Ngidi being ruled out of the series. The right-arm seamer, who was also part of South Africa's squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup, suffered a left lateral ankle sprain.

South Africa and India will face each other in a three-match T20I series, a three-match ODI series and a two-match Test series. The tour begins with a three-match T20I series to be played in Durban, Gqeberha and Johannesburg on December 10, 12 and 14.

The teams will next compete in a three-match ODI series to be played in Johannesburg, Gqeberha and Paarl on December 17, 19 and 21. Men In Blue and the Proteas will then play two friendlies to complete the series. The first test begins on December 26th in Centurion. The second and final Test will be played in Cape Town from January 3rd.

As a result, the 27-year-old has been released from the T20I squad and will undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the South African medical team. Ngidi's fitness will be further assessed to ensure his participation ahead of the crucial Test series against India starting December 26.

Following his injury, Beuran Hendricks was announced as Ngidi's replacement. The left-arm seamer made his T20I debut back in 2014 and has played 19 matches for his country, taking 25 wickets.

The 33-year-old Hendricks will compete for the special seaman position alongside Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee and Lizaad Williams, all of whom have less experience. Kagiso Rabada, South Africa's best fast bowler, was rested for the series.

The tour begins with three Twenty20 matches in Durban, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and Johannesburg. They will then switch formats for three One Day Internationals between December 17th and 21st, which will be held at the latter two venues as well as in Paarl. The first test begins on December 26th in Pretoria, the second on January 3rd in Cape Town at Newlands.