Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment, lasting just 15 balls. The cricket legend was dismissed for only six runs, much to the shock of thousands of fans who had packed the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi to witness his comeback. The man responsible for the early exit? Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan. His performance suggests he was more than ready for the challenge, and if his pre-match preparation is any indication, he had mentally prepared for the big moment.
Kohli’s Brief but Eventful Return
The stadium was filled with an electric atmosphere as Kohli made his way to the crease. The crowd erupted with excitement, anticipating a memorable return to domestic cricket. Kohli started off promisingly with a boundary off the previous ball, which lifted the spirits of his teammates and the spectators. It appeared as though the star batter might be on the verge of a remarkable return to form. But Kohli’s innings was short-lived.
On the very next delivery, Sangwan’s ball, slightly shorter in length than the previous one, had Kohli playing through the line. The result was a clean strike on his off-stump, and the ball rattled the timber. The sound of Kohli’s dismissal left the stadium in stunned silence, as the once-thriving excitement quickly faded.
A Career-Defining Wicket for Himanshu Sangwan
For Himanshu Sangwan, the wicket of Kohli marked a significant achievement in his career. At 29 years old, Sangwan had bowled in 24 First-Class matches, but none of his previous wickets would have been as monumental as dismissing Kohli, an Indian cricket icon. Sangwan’s reaction said it all. Despite his initial disappointment with the length of the previous ball, he quickly regrouped and executed his plan to perfection. The change in length and the impeccable execution left Kohli fooled, securing a wicket that will be etched in the memories of many.
Pre-Match Preparation: Sangwan Knew What Was Coming
It seems that Sangwan was mentally prepared for his big moment. Ahead of the match, aware of the inevitable fan backlash for dismissing a beloved cricket star, Sangwan took a proactive step: he made his Instagram account private. By doing so, he shielded himself from the expected trolling and hate messages that often follow a rookie bowler’s big breakthrough.
Sangwan’s forethought proved valuable. He knew how passionate Kohli’s fans were and how emotionally charged the match would be. His experience as a bowler in First-Class cricket made him well aware of the potential consequences of such a high-profile wicket.
Mistaken Identity Leads to Abuse for Another ‘Himanshu Sangwan’
Unfortunately, the confusion didn’t end with Sangwan’s decision to keep his social media private. Fans mistakenly targeted an unrelated individual also named Himanshu Sangwan. The online trolling intensified to such an extent that this innocent person had to clarify on his Instagram that he was not the cricketer responsible for Kohli’s dismissal.
To add to the confusion, former Delhi pacer Pradeep Sangwan, also unrelated to the wicket, found himself receiving unwarranted abuse on his social media posts. It was a bizarre and unfortunate chain of events triggered by a case of mistaken identity.
The Bigger Picture: Domestic Cricket’s Revival
While Kohli’s return to Ranji Trophy cricket lasted less than ideal, his participation has undoubtedly brought more attention to the domestic format. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had hoped that involving senior players like Kohli would help rejuvenate the domestic scene, and his involvement, even if brief, is already generating renewed interest in Ranji Trophy matches.
Looking Forward: Kohli’s Next Opportunity
Though Kohli’s first innings was cut short, fans still hold hope for his return in the second innings. The star batsman has another chance to make an impact and leave a mark on the game. Kohli’s commitment to domestic cricket may not have yielded instant success, but it certainly has sparked a conversation and reminded fans of the importance of domestic cricket in India.
With Sangwan’s remarkable dismissal of Kohli, the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways will be remembered as a significant moment for both the star batsman and the up-and-coming pacer who made history.
