In a remarkable moment during the recent Ranji Trophy match between Railways and Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Himanshu Sangwan, a 29-year-old right-arm pacer for Railways, achieved a cricketing milestone by dismissing Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli. This moment was particularly special for Sangwan as it marked his return to Ranji Trophy cricket after a long gap.
Kohli, who was playing his first domestic match in years, was dismissed by Sangwan on the second day of the game. After a brief but stylish boundary from Kohli off Sangwan’s earlier delivery, the pacer delivered an in-swinging ball that breached the gap between Kohli’s bat and pad. The ball knocked over the stumps, sending Kohli back to the dressing room for just six runs. The moment was a stunning one, not just for Sangwan but also for the spectators, as Kohli’s wicket is considered a significant prize for any bowler.
Reflecting on the achievement, Sangwan admitted it was “the most important wicket of my life.” He described the feeling of dismissing a player of Kohli’s caliber as surreal. For a bowler like Sangwan, who has worked hard for years in domestic cricket, getting Kohli’s wicket felt like the culmination of his hard work, determination, and dedication to the game. This moment will forever remain a treasured souvenir for the pacer, who had been working relentlessly in the domestic circuit and finally got the recognition of dismissing one of cricket’s finest.
After the dismissal, Kohli, despite his brief stay at the crease, approached Sangwan in the dressing room. He complimented the bowler on the delivery, saying, “What a ball it was; it was a beautiful delivery. I really enjoyed that! I’ve heard about you. You’re a good bowler. Best wishes for the future.” This show of respect from Kohli further highlighted the mutual admiration and sportsmanship that exists among cricketers, regardless of their level or status.
For Sangwan, this encounter with Kohli, coupled with his prized dismissal, made the game one to remember, far beyond the outcome of the match itself. It wasn’t just about the performance on the field but the camaraderie and recognition from a legend that added to the significance of the moment. It was the kind of experience that every cricketer dreams of—dismissing a great player like Kohli and having him acknowledge your skill and potential.
Despite Railways losing the match by an innings and 19 runs, Sangwan’s performance, especially the wicket of Kohli, remained the highlight of the game. It was a personal triumph for the bowler, who now holds a cherished memory that he will undoubtedly look back on with pride in his cricketing career.
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