Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated return to domestic cricket in the Ranji Trophy after 12 long years had fans eagerly flocking to the stadium. The Delhi crowd hoped to witness their hero’s majestic performances once again, but the day quickly took an unexpected turn. It was not the grand innings many expected, but a sharp spell from Himanshu Sangwan, the young pacer from Railways, who stole the spotlight by dismissing the cricketing legend early in his innings.
Kohli’s initial signs were positive, as he began his knock with a stunning boundary down the ground. But, the moment of the match came when Sangwan bowled a brilliant delivery, knocking off Kohli’s off-stump, leaving the stadium in stunned silence. This early dismissal of the veteran batsman by Sangwan was the highlight of the day and served as a reminder that domestic cricket can sometimes offer surprising moments of brilliance.
Who is Himanshu Sangwan? A Rising Star in Indian Domestic Cricket
Himanshu Sangwan, born on September 2, 1995, in Delhi, has been making waves in Indian domestic cricket with his stellar performances. Making his debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in September 2019, Sangwan quickly proved his potential as a key bowler. His impressive start continued as he made his debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy a few months later in November 2019, followed by his Ranji Trophy debut in December 2019. Since then, Sangwan has become a crucial member of the Railways team, consistently delivering strong performances with the ball.
In his 23 first-class matches, Sangwan has claimed 77 wickets at an average of 19.92 and an economy rate of 3.02, making him one of the most promising pacers in domestic cricket. His ability to swing the ball both ways and consistently take wickets has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and selectors alike. In List A cricket, Sangwan has also been impressive, with 21 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 34.71 and an economy rate of 5.28. His strong all-around performance in both formats highlights his growing reputation as a talented bowler.
Sangwan’s Impact on the Match and Delhi’s Struggle
Sangwan’s performance didn’t stop with Kohli’s dismissal. Just moments after removing the Indian star, he struck again, dismissing Sanat Sangwan, the well-set batsman from Delhi, for 30. This rapid-fire double blow left Delhi in deep trouble at 97/4, with their top-order struggling to find form against the fiery pace of Sangwan. As the crowd’s initial excitement began to fade, it was clear that this match would not follow the script many had hoped for.
Reactions from Netizens: Kohli’s Dismissal Sparks Mixed Emotions
Kohli’s dismissal at the hands of a domestic bowler like Himanshu Sangwan led to a flurry of reactions across social media. Fans were quick to share their thoughts, some expressing disappointment, while others celebrated Sangwan’s brilliant delivery.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “And Kohli is bowled! Himanshu Sangwan, the man who emptied the stadium,” accompanied by an image of the empty seats at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Another fan quipped, “If Kohli bhai could remove one thing from the world, it would be Off Stump.. oh wait, Himanshu Sangwan is helping him remove it.”
There were also hopeful comments wishing Kohli better luck in the second innings, with one user noting, “Just for 15 minutes of his batting glimpses the crowd turned up at 6 am. May he get a good score in the second innings.”
However, not all reactions were positive, with some suggesting it might be time for Kohli to retire. One user wrote, “Now even domestic bowlers like Himanshu Sangwan are dominating Kohli. It’s time for retirement.”
Why Himanshu Sangwan’s Performance Is Worth Watching
While Kohli’s early dismissal was a moment of shock for many, it also shone a light on the talent of Himanshu Sangwan. With his exceptional bowling and ability to perform under pressure, Sangwan has proven himself as one of the most exciting bowlers in domestic cricket. His recent performance against Delhi highlights not only his technical skill but also his mental toughness—qualities that make him a promising prospect for the future of Indian cricket.
For fans of Indian domestic cricket, Sangwan’s rise as a formidable pacer is something to watch closely. As his career continues to flourish, he may soon find himself on the radar of national selectors, ready to take the next step in his cricketing journey.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead for Himanshu Sangwan
Himanshu Sangwan’s standout performance against Virat Kohli in the Ranji Trophy was a testament to his skill and determination. As a young pacer with a bright future, Sangwan’s ability to challenge some of India’s best players is a sign that the next generation of Indian bowlers is ready to make its mark. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how Sangwan’s career unfolds in the coming years, and one can only imagine how his career might evolve if he continues to impress with performances like the one against Delhi.
With his consistent form and a knack for taking key wickets, Sangwan is undoubtedly one to watch in the world of Indian domestic cricket. His brilliant outing against Virat Kohli could be just the beginning of many more memorable moments to come.
