Pacer Himanshu Sangwan, who gained attention after dismissing Virat Kohli in the Ranji Trophy, shared that even the Railways team bus driver offered him advice on how to get Kohli’s wicket. Sangwan revealed that the bus driver suggested bowling a 5th-stump line to the Indian batter.
In an interview with Hindustan Times after the match, Sangwan reflected on his experience playing in the high-profile Ranji Trophy game, which drew a crowd of tens of thousands. In the interview, the Railways pacer expressed his surprise at receiving such advice from the bus driver.
However, Himanshu mentioned that instead of focusing on Kohli’s weaknesses, he concentrated on playing to his own strengths during the Ranji Trophy match.
“The bus in which we were travelling, even the bus driver told me that you need to bowl at the fourth-fifth stump line to Virat Kohli, and then he will get out. I had self-belief. 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,” Himanshu said in the interview.
“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,” he added.
Virat Kohli’s Departure in the Ranji Trophy
During the match, Himanshu outwitted Kohli twice with deliveries that shaped away after landing just outside the off stump. Although Kohli struck a full-length ball for four, Himanshu quickly responded by taking his next delivery. He shortened his length and angled the ball back, catching Kohli’s front-foot press off guard.
Virat Kohli Wicket Vs Railway Ranji Trophy Match pic.twitter.com/Y3hdYcC2kC
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Himanshu shared that Kohli displayed great sportsmanship after the match, revealing that the former India captain complimented him in the dressing room.
“When our innings ended, I was going to the dressing room and Virat Kohli was coming to the field. Ayush Badoni and Virat were there. Virat Bhaiya himself shook hands with me and said, ‘Very well bowled’. He told me that I was bowling well.”
“I then told him I wanted to take a picture with him during the lunch break. I went to Delhi’s dressing room. I took the same ball with which I got him out. He even asked me whether it was the same ball. He then said jokingly, ‘Oh teri ki. Maza aa gaya tujhe toh’,” Himanshu reminisced about the incident.
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