In a remarkable turn of events during the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways, Himanshu Sangwan, a 29-year-old pacer, dismissed cricketing icon Virat Kohli.
What makes this achievement even more intriguing is the unexpected source of advice that led to this moment—none other than the team bus driver.
The Context of the Match
The match took place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from January 30 to February 1, 2025.
This was Kohli’s first Ranji Trophy appearance for Delhi in over 12 years, and expectations were high among fans who turned out in droves to witness his return.
However, Kohli’s innings ended abruptly when he was clean bowled by Sangwan for just six runs off 15 balls.
The Bus Driver’s Advice
In an interview, Sangwan recounted how the bus driver provided him with a simple yet effective strategy before the match.
He said, “The bus driver told me, ‘Bowl at the fourth-fifth stump line to Virat Kohli, and he’ll get out.’”
Sangwan emphasized that he focused on his strengths rather than overthinking Kohli’s weaknesses. This self-belief and adherence to his game plan proved crucial as he executed a perfect inswinger that breached Kohli’s defense.
Sangwan explained that there were no specific plans tailored for Kohli; rather, he was advised to maintain a disciplined bowling line against all Delhi players known for their aggressive batting style.
His ability to deliver under pressure showcased not only his skill but also his confidence.
The Dismissal
As Kohli walked onto the pitch amidst cheers from thousands of fans, Sangwan’s delivery caught everyone off guard.
The ball jagged back sharply, sending Kohli’s off-stump flying and silencing the crowd. This moment quickly became the highlight of the match despite Railways losing by an innings and 19 runs.
Post-Match Interaction
After the innings concluded, Sangwan had a brief but memorable interaction with Kohli. As they crossed paths in the dressing room area, Kohli congratulated Sangwan on his impressive bowling.
Sangwan later requested a photograph with Kohli and took the very ball that had dismissed him for an autograph. Kohli humorously acknowledged the quality of the delivery, saying, “What a ball it was! It was a beautiful delivery. I really enjoyed that.”
Impact on Himanshu Sangwan
Sangwan’s dismissal of Kohli became a talking point across social media platforms, leading to a surge in his popularity.
He reported receiving over 300 missed calls and around 230 messages after the match. His Instagram following skyrocketed from approximately 750 to over 18,000 within days.
A Journey of Hard Work
Sangwan’s journey has not been easy; he moved to Delhi at a young age and has been striving to make his mark in domestic cricket.
His dedication was recognized by former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath at the MRF Pace Academy in 2018, who praised Sangwan’s technique and encouraged him to continue pursuing his dreams.
Reflecting on his recent success against Kohli, Sangwan stated, “Hard work always pays off.” He believes that while platforms like IPL are significant, excelling in domestic cricket is equally important for aspiring cricketers.
