On Wednesday, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi said that trapping Virat Kohli leg before wicket in India’s second innings of the second Test was a special moment. The Test debutant went on to take 6/39 on day five as India were bowled out for 151 and lost the series 2-0.

“The moment for me I think was the captain’s wicket. That was a very special moment and I felt that I had worked hard and sort of figured out a gameplan of bowling towards him. So finally getting that really did mean a lot to me,” said Ngidi.

Playing on his home ground, Ngidi was cheered by the crowd throughout this game, in particular when he dismissed Kohli. He was also given a standing ovation after he tore through India’s line-up on day five.

“To be honest, it’s actually difficult to describe. It’s not something I’m used to, so every time it really does hit me. You get goosebumps and get nervous all over again. It really is an honour to have people appreciate the work that you’re doing out there, so it’s hard to describe but it really is a blessing,” he said.

Kagiso Rabada, the world’s no.1 Test bowler, also took 3/47 as the young pace-duo plotted India’s downfall.

“I do remember that moment and it did strike me when I was thrown the ball and he was bowling at the other end. During the game I couldn’t say anything, I had to internalise it, but it really was a dream come true to bowl with him. It has been a dream of mine. He actually has a lot of knowledge for a youngster as well. He is no.1 in the world and it shows. We had been chatting throughout the innings and he had been giving me idea, and to see them work is special as well,” said Ngidi.

The youngster became the seventh Proteas pacer to achieve a five-wicket on debut. “I’d love this to be a long career. I know many people talk about how injuries have affected me in the past, but I feel like this is a new start. In the past, I didn’t know what I was doing, to be honest. Now I’ve sort of found my feet and I know which path I’m going down as a cricketer. I’d also like it to be one of the long careers and maybe go down on the honours board,” said Ngidi.

“I actually watched a lot of Andre Nel and was convinced that I had the same bowling action as him, but I realise now that isnt true. Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, those were my idols that I looked up to,” he added.

-Inputs from PTI