Indian cricket fans witnessed an unexpected twist during the Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match. Himanshu Sangwan, a relatively lesser-known pacer, stole the spotlight by dismissing Virat Kohli for just 6 runs. Kohli’s highly-anticipated return to domestic red-ball cricket after 13 years ended abruptly, leaving the crowd at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium disappointed.
Thousands of fans gathered at the stadium to watch Kohli play for Delhi, a team he last represented in 2012. However, the excitement was short-lived, as Kohli’s stay at the crease lasted only 15 balls. In the 28th over of Delhi’s first innings, Sangwan delivered a brilliant good-length delivery that uprooted Kohli’s off-stump, sending the star batter back to the pavilion.
The dismissal prompted a significant portion of the crowd to leave the stadium, as many had come solely to watch Kohli in action.
Who is Himanshu Sangwan?
Himanshu Sangwan, a 29-year-old pacer from Delhi, has been a consistent performer for Railways in domestic cricket. Born September 2, 1995, Sangwan made his List A debut in the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy and later debuted in the T20s during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His first-class debut came in the Ranji Trophy on December 9, 2019.
With 77 first-class wickets in 23 matches, Sangwan has established himself as a reliable bowler. He also has 21 List A wickets and 5 T20 wickets. His dismissal of Kohli is undoubtedly the highlight of his career so far.
Kohli’s Preparation for the Match
After his first domestic red-ball appearance since November 2012, Kohli trained with former India coach Sanjay Bangar to address technical flaws in his batting, particularly against deliveries outside the off-stump. These issues had troubled him during India’s recent tour of Australia.
Read: Virat Kohli Clean Bowled for 6 Runs During Ranji Trophy Return
Kohli walked out to bat to a roaring reception after Yash Dhull was dismissed leg-before-wicket. After scoring two singles, Kohli attempted to dominate Sangwan by stepping outside the crease and hitting a boundary. However, his aggressive approach backfired as he missed the next delivery, resulting in his off-stump being shattered.
Sangwan’s dismissal of Kohli is a testament to his skill and composure under pressure. While Kohli’s early exit disappointed fans, it highlighted the depth of talent in India’s domestic cricket circuit. Sangwan’s performance will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in his career.
