In the world of cricket, the unexpected can often make for the most intriguing stories. One such incident took place during the 2025 Ranji Trophy clash between Delhi and Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where former India captain Virat Kohli, making his return to domestic cricket after over 12 years, found himself dismissed in a surprising manner. This moment not only caught the attention of cricket fans but also spotlighted Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan, whose delivery to dismiss Kohli became the talk of the match. What makes this dismissal even more fascinating is the story behind it, involving a piece of advice from an unlikely source.
The Stage: A Historic Return for Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket had fans eagerly awaiting his performance. The excitement around his presence at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was palpable, as spectators packed the stands hoping to witness the stylish right-hander back in action. After an extended break from first-class cricket, Kohli’s return to play for Delhi in the final round of the Ranji Trophy was a momentous occasion. However, his time at the crease was short-lived, as he was sent back to the pavilion in just 15 balls.
The Dismissal: A Length Delivery from Himanshu Sangwan
Kohli’s downfall came at the hands of Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan, who bowled a length delivery that shattered his stumps. While dismissing a player of Kohli’s caliber is no small feat, what added an extra layer of intrigue was the story Sangwan revealed after the match. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, the 29-year-old pacer explained how a rather surprising piece of advice from an unexpected source helped him plan the delivery.
The Unexpected Advice: A Bus Driver’s Cricket Wisdom
In a remarkable turn of events, Himanshu Sangwan credited the bus driver of the Railways team for offering the crucial tip that led to his success. According to Sangwan, while traveling with the team to the stadium, the bus driver casually told him that to get Virat Kohli out, he needed to bowl around the fourth or fifth stump line.
At first, Sangwan was shocked by the unusual suggestion coming from someone outside the cricketing circle. However, after taking a moment to reflect on the bus driver’s advice, he decided to trust his instincts and focus on his strengths rather than trying to exploit Kohli’s weaknesses. This mindset proved to be key, as Sangwan delivered the perfect ball to Kohli, who found himself undone by the delivery.
“I had self-belief,” Sangwan shared. “I just wanted to focus on my own strengths rather than someone else’s weaknesses. I bowled to my strengths and ended up getting the wicket.” His disciplined approach and confidence in his own abilities led to one of the most talked-about moments of the match.
The Bigger Picture: Kohli’s Recent Struggles
This dismissal also highlighted a pattern that has been evident in Kohli’s recent performances. Despite his vast success at the international level, Kohli has been grappling with a recurring weakness—his struggle against deliveries pitched wide outside the off-stump. This vulnerability became especially evident in the recent Test series against New Zealand and Australia, where Kohli was dismissed in a similar manner in eight out of nine innings.
Kohli’s inability to capitalize on deliveries outside the off-stump has led many to question his current form. Despite this, he did manage to find some solace in the second innings of the Perth Test against Australia, where he scored a century. Nevertheless, his inconsistency has been a point of concern for both fans and experts alike.
Himanshu Sangwan’s Reflection on the Kohli Dismissal
When asked about his approach to the dismissal, Sangwan emphasized that there was no specific plan targeting Virat Kohli in particular. “There was no specific plan for Virat Kohli in general. The coaches told us that the players from Delhi like to play attacking cricket. They are all stroke players. We were told to bowl a disciplined line,” Sangwan revealed. His discipline and focus on maintaining a consistent line, coupled with the surprise factor of a well-executed length delivery, ultimately led to Kohli’s downfall.
The Importance of Self-Belief in Cricket
What this incident underscores is the importance of self-belief in the game of cricket. Despite the unconventional advice from the bus driver, Sangwan’s decision to trust his own strengths and stick to his game plan was pivotal. This reflects the mindset that every cricketer, regardless of their stature, needs to maintain: a focus on their own skills and the confidence to execute them in high-pressure situations.
Conclusion: A Moment to Remember in Ranji Trophy History
Himanshu Sangwan’s dismissal of Virat Kohli during the Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable moments of the 2025 season. What makes it even more remarkable is the unusual source of inspiration—the bus driver’s advice—that played a role in the pacer’s success. This unexpected turn of events has captured the imagination of cricket fans, making it a story worth sharing for years to come.
As Kohli looks to regain his form, particularly against deliveries outside the off-stump, Sangwan’s triumph serves as a reminder that cricket is full of surprises. Whether it’s advice from a bus driver or the brilliance of a pacer executing his strengths, the game never fails to surprise us.
