‘DON’T EXPECT TOO MUCH, TOO SOON FROM NGIDI’
Don’t expect too much of him too soon, ex-Titans man warns
FORMER Titans coach Rob Walter has urged the public not to expect too much and too soon from emerging Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. Walter‚ who gave Ngidi his franchise break more than a year ago at the Titans‚ said yesterday the highly promising youngster‚ who has claimed six wickets from two T20 international matches‚ might not deliver on his undoubted potential if he was put under undue pressure at this early stage of his career.
He said Ngidi, 20, should be allowed to develop properly and learn at international level.
Ngidi impressed with figures of 2/12 on his debut in the first T20 against Sri Lanka on Friday at SUPERSPORT Park, and followed that eye-catching performance with a sensational 4/19 in the second match two days later at the Wanderers.
As a result of his impressing performances‚ he was included in South Africa’s squad for the first of three ODIs against Sri Lanka, which starts in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
“He has already shown that he has the attributes and ability to play at the top level and be successful‚” Walter said from New Zealand‚ where he coaches the Otago Volts.
“But we must be very careful not to create too much expectation too quickly.
“It is a standard error of sports lovers to seek immediate success and heroism from athletes.
“We talk and write about it and this creates unnecessary expectation.
“Kagiso Rabada’s rise at international level has been unbelievable and there is no doubt he will become a great player‚ but he is the exception rather than the norm.
“My concern is that we now think Lungi [Ngidi] must achieve the same heroics immediately.
“He may well do so after a great start, but we too quickly forget those great days after a few average performances‚ which is inevitable at international level.”
Walter said he had confidence that Ngidi would grow to play for the Proteas in all formats and make a name for himself in the future.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Lungi can play all formats for the Proteas and go on to be someone young bowlers will look up to.
“But let’s not make the mistake of putting undue pressure on him through continuous expectation of performance.
“Let’s accept and celebrate both great and average performances while he develops his experience and game awareness.
“If we can do that, there really is no limit to what he may achieve.”
From a technical point of view‚ Walter said Ngidi had to develop physical resilience to the rigorous requirements of bowling at international level.
He said he must also develop his game awareness and improve the consistency of his action.
“He is tall‚ very athletic and explosive‚ which is a combination that will ultimately allow him to generate pace and bounce‚ which are critical to being a successful fast bowler.
“I was also impressed by his humility‚ willingness to learn and drive to improve.”