 "Himanshu Sangwan celebrates after dismissing Virat Kohli. Image: Screengrab/JioCinema")
Virat Kohli’s much-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment as Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan produced a stunning delivery to send his off-stump flying . Kohli, who had just showcased his trademark straight drive off Sangwan, was undone on the very next ball, a fullish delivery that angled in and seamed sharply through the gap between bat and pad. The sight of Kohli’s off-stump rattled silenced the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with fans quickly leaving the stands after witnessing the prized wicket.
Kohli’s brief stay at the crease lasted 15 balls for just six runs , leaving Delhi at 87/3, still trailing Railways by 140 runs. However, while Kohli’s early dismissal made headlines, the man behind the moment, Himanshu Sangwan, also earned attention for his brilliant spell.
Who is Himanshu Sangwan?
Born in 1995 in Najafgarh, Delhi, the same locality as former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, Himanshu Sangwan has carved a name for himself in domestic cricket. A right-arm pacer, Sangwan initially played Under-19 cricket for Delhi before moving to Railways, where he found a consistent spot in First-Class cricket.
At 29 years old, Sangwan has quietly built an impressive record. In 23 First-Class matches, he has taken 77 wickets at a stunning average of 19.92, proving to be a key asset for Railways. His best bowling figures stand at 7/81, with six four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls to his name.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWhile Sangwan has flourished in the longer format, his white-ball performances haven’t been as remarkable. In 17 List A matches, he has picked up just 21 wickets, while in seven T20 games, he has taken only five wickets. His best List A bowling performance is 4/44 and his best T20 figure is 2/31.
Despite a quiet career, Sangwan’s dismissal of Virat Kohli, the global superstar, has suddenly placed him in the spotlight. The moment of brilliance, removing one of the greatest modern-day batters in red-ball cricket, might just be a turning point for the Railways pacer.
Virat Kohli’s recent return to domestic cricket was prompted by a lackluster performance in Tests last year. However, Kohli is not the only Indian cricketer to be directed by the BCCI to participate in the ongoing Ranji Trophy . Several other prominent players, including Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ravindra Jadeja, have also represented their respective teams in previous matches.