Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin praised Himanshu Sangwan for his exceptional delivery that clean bowled Virat Kohli during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways. Ashwin referred to Sangwan as a “gold-dust performer,” acknowledging the brilliance of the delivery that took Kohli’s off-stump.
The ball perfectly threaded the gap between Kohli’s bat and pad, uprooting the off-stump, which fell a couple of yards away. Kohli, making his long-awaited Ranji return after over 12 years, could only manage six runs off 15 balls at his home ground.
Ashwin shared his thoughts on the delivery (via Indian Express) ‘Ash Ki Baat’.
“Himanshu Sangwan bowled an outstanding delivery. He’s no ordinary Ranji Trophy player, but a proven performer. A true gem on the field. The ball he bowled was exceptional, with a perfect gap between bat and pad. It was a class act, and it deserved a wicket.”
“I observed Virat Kohli’s batting technique closely. His bat seemed to come down with a slightly faster motion. When you regularly face bowlers who clock speeds of 140-145kmph, adapting to their pace is crucial. There’s no substitute for spending time in the middle; that’s when the real adjustments happen.”
“Virat Kohli inspires countless individuals across the nation. Getting his wicket was a monumental moment for me—truly a dream realized.”
“Do you fully understand the importance of the Ranji Trophy? It has been around for decades and stands as one of the most prestigious tournaments. Even legends like Sachin Tendulkar have graced this competition. The value of playing in it is immense for players. Cricket may not always prioritize players, but for those who play, cricket is everything.”
Himanshu Sangwan, a former ticket collector at New Delhi station, has made a name for himself in the cricketing world. At 29 years old, he has played 24 first-class matches, taking 81 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls. In addition, Sangwan has claimed 21 wickets in 17 List-A games and five wickets in seven T20 matches. According to Sports Tak, he has also played alongside Rishabh Pant for Delhi in U19 cricket. During his debut season in the Ranji Trophy, Sangwan made an impact by dismissing prominent players like Mumbai’s Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane.