Meet Himanshu Sangwan, player who spoiled Virat Kohli's comeback in Ranji Trophy

Himanshu Sangwan dismissed Virat Kohli in Ranji Trophy clash. (Photo: X)

In the 2023 World Cup final, Pat Cummins silenced the jam-packed crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium by dismissing Virat Kohli. While not exactly the same, something similar happened at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where Kohli was dismissed by an incoming delivery from Himanshu Sangwan on day 2 of the ongoing match between Delhi and Railways, leaving the ground in pin-drop silence.

Kohli's much-awaited first innings for his domestic team after more than 12 years was cut short after just 15 deliveries. Sangwan found the gap between bat and pad, sending the stumps flying in what became a memorable moment for the Railways pacer. However, for the fans who had gathered to witness Kohli's return, the dismissal left them dejected, as Sangwan dampened the excitement surrounding the former Indian captain’s comeback.

Kohli had dispatched a boundary off Sangwan’s third ball in the 28th over of Delhi’s first innings, sending the crowd into a frenzy. However, on the very next delivery, the 29-year-old pacer struck back, dismissing Kohli with a well-executed ball. Sangwan, bowling just wide of the crease, delivered an in-seaming delivery that Kohli attempted to drive but missed, playing all around it. As the stumps were sent flying, Sangwan let out a roar of celebration, animatedly reveling in his moment.

Before this match, Sangwan had taken 77 wickets in 23 First-Class games, but none would match the satisfaction of claiming his 78th wicket—Kohli’s. For the young pacer, this will be a memory of a lifetime, especially given the manner in which he achieved it. No Australian bowler had been able to dislodge Kohli’s stumps, even when he was out of form during India’s last Test series, but Sangwan managed to do what others could not.

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Prior to this game, the only well-known name among the Railways players was Karn Sharma, due to his IPL experience. But after dismissing Kohli, Sangwan’s name will now be remembered by all.

Like Kohli, Sangwan was born in Delhi and played for the Delhi Under-19 team alongside Rishabh Pant in the 2013-14 season. However, after limited opportunities in Delhi, he moved to Haryana but struggled to make an impact.

When it seemed his cricketing career might fade into obscurity, fate intervened. Sangwan found out about job openings at Indian Railways and, six months later, began working as a ticket examiner at the New Delhi station.

In 2018, he made his Under-23 debut for Railways, impressing everyone during the CK Nayudu Trophy. His strong performances earned him a spot in the senior side in 2019, and he marked his Ranji Trophy debut against Uttar Pradesh by taking four wickets, including that of Rinku Singh. Sangwan has also trained under legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath at the MRF Pace Foundation.

His career is certainly on the rise, and he’s sure to pick up more wickets in the future. But he will always cherish the moment he dismissed Kohli, especially in front of his home crowd.