In a thrilling Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Railways’ bowler Himanshu Sangwan achieved what he described as the most important wicket of his career by dismissing Virat Kohli for just six runs.
Kohli, making his much-anticipated return to domestic cricket after a 12-year hiatus, was clean-bowled by Sangwan’s delivery, which sent shockwaves through the stadium. The crowd, which had gathered in large numbers to witness Kohli’s comeback, fell silent as Sangwan celebrated his remarkable achievement.
Himanshu Sangwan’s Reflections
Reflecting on the moment, Sangwan expressed his elation, stating, “It is the most important wicket of my life. Virat Kohli is an inspiration to the whole country.” He added that he had never seen so many people turn up for a Ranji Trophy game and that it was a special experience for everyone involved. Despite facing some harsh responses and verbal abuse from the crowd, Sangwan also received congratulations and support from fans who appreciated his outstanding performance.
Impact on the Match
Kohli’s early dismissal left Delhi reeling at 86 for three, trailing Railways by 155 runs. However, Delhi’s captain Ayush Badoni’s valiant 99-run knock and Sumit Mathur’s impressive 86 helped the team recover, eventually getting all out for 374, securing a 133-run lead. Despite the setback, Kohli will have another opportunity to make his mark in Delhi’s second innings.
Himanshu Sangwan said, "people across India draw inspiration from Virat Kohli. Picking his wicket was a special moment for me. It was a dream come true. With Virat bhaiya, Ranji Trophy is gaining such importance". (Vipul Kashyap). pic.twitter.com/49ShAWKA0l
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 31, 2025
Sangwan’s Journey
Himanshu Sangwan, a 29-year-old pacer from Railways, has become an overnight sensation after claiming Kohli’s wicket. Before this match, Sangwan had taken 77 wickets in first-class cricket, and his 78th wicket will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most significant moments of his career. Sangwan, who works as a senior ticket collector at the Old Delhi railway station, has come a long way from his early days in Rajasthan to pursuing cricket seriously in Najafgarh.
