NEW DELHI: “Sangwan bhai, poora ground khaali kara diya!” – a fan shouted as Himanshu Sangwan took his position on the field after an eventful over, one that saw the dismissal of India’s batting legend Virat Kohli for six runs.
Amid deafening cheers at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated homecoming turned out to be brief, lasting just over 20 minutes.
Facing Sangwan, Kohli stepped out and drove a delivery straight down the ground for a boundary, electrifying the crowd. But on the very next ball, as he advanced once again, the ball sneaked through the gap between bat and pad, sending the off-stump cartwheeling.
A stunned silence fell over the stadium. Kohli stood still, staring at the shattered stumps before slowly making his way back to the pavilion named after him. Even before he could reach the stairs, the disappointed crowd had already begun heading for the exits.
For Kohli fans, who had braved the winter chill to witness his dominant batting display, Sangwan had become villain of the day.
Yet, for Sangwan himself, it was a moment of glory. Dismissing a world-class batter, he knew he had done something special. As Kohli’s stumps lay scattered, Sangwan leaped in celebration – his name now etched in the day’s headlines for spoiling Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return after 13 long years.
“I have never witnessed such a crowd at a Ranji Trophy match, and it was all because of Virat Kohli. People came in huge numbers – it felt nothing short of an international match. The buzz was incredible. Usually, fans come to cheer for players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. But this match was just about Virat. All I could hear for three days was ‘Virat! Virat! Kohli! Kohli!’,” Sangwan told TimesofIndia.com in an interview.
“Getting Virat Kohli’s wicket was a huge moment for me. I can talk about it, but the feeling is beyond words – I simply can’t express it. My aggression was natural. A bowler, especially a fast bowler, never likes when a batter hits him for a four or a six. He played a superb straight drive. As a bowler, I was disappointed. Next delivery, I had put extra effort and it paid off,” he said.
After the match, Kohli stepped into the Railways dressing room. As soon as the players spotted the batting great, they rose from their seats, eager to greet him. Kohli walked straight toward Sangwan and embraced the young pacer.
“After the match, Virat himself walked into our dressing room, hugged me, and said, ‘Well bowled. Keep going.’ We were all surprised to see him there. He got out to my delivery, but he still came in to motivate me. I was carrying the ball with which I dismissed him – I showed it to him and got it signed. That moment is unforgettable,” Sangwan said.
SANGWAN AND HIS SECOND FAMILY
Sangwan left his family in Jaipur nearly 16 years ago. At just 17, he moved to Delhi in search of opportunities, looking for a rented accommodation in the Najafgarh area.
He knocked several doors in search of the rented accommodation but finally found one.
Now a senior Ticket Collector (TTE) at New Delhi Railway Station, Sangwan continues to stay with the same family that took him in 16 years ago.
“Ya to Krishna ji ke do maa aur baap the, ya mere hain (Either Krishna ji had two mothers and fathers, or I have them),” Sangwan said.
“My parents live in Jaipur, but for the past 15 years, I have been staying in Najafgarh, near the CRPF camp in Delhi. I initially came here looking for a rented place, but the family I stayed with became more than landlords – they became my own. They have two kids, but they treat me as their eldest son – more than a real son. If I need food at midnight, they ensure I get it. They do everything possible to support me, and I will always be grateful to them,” he said.
To him, they are more than landlords – they are his second parents.
He soon became part of the Delhi Under-19 team and had the opportunity to make his debut alongside Rishabh Pant in the same match.
However, with limited chances in Delhi, Sangwan decided to play for Haryana, competing at the district level. When things didn’t work out there either, Railways extended a helping hand, offering him a platform to showcase his talent.
It was the perfect stage – something he had always longed for.
“Rishabh Pant and I made our debuts for Delhi in the same match. Playing for Delhi was a big deal. Jab aap Delhi ya Mumbai jaisi jagah se khelte ho aur perform karte ho, toh halla alag machta hai (When you play for a place like Delhi or Mumbai and perform well, the buzz is different). I am grateful that I started my career with Delhi. But things didn’t work out as I had hoped – I didn’t get many chances. Railways gave me a big opportunity, and I am thankful for the trust they showed in me,” the bowler said.
GLENN MCGRATH’S IMPACT
This isn’t the first time Sangwan has showcased his talent. In a 2020 Ranji Trophy match, he dismissed Ajinkya Rahane. His list of high-profile wickets also includes Rinku Singh, Prithvi Shaw, Krunal Pandya, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Sangwan balances his cricketing career with his job as a ticket collector at New Delhi Railway Station. He has refined his skills under the mentorship of Australian legend Glenn McGrath at the MRF Pace Academy.
Reflecting on his experience, Sangwan shared how he excelled in McGrath’s training sessions, absorbing key lessons from the fast-bowling great to elevate his game.
“There were about 25 of us at the MRF Pace Academy. Each player got their turn, and our bowling videos were analysed. We had to watch our own footage and discuss the shortcomings. I was last in line. There were a lot of discussions about wrist position, run-up, and technique. When my turn came, McGrath played my video and asked the others to point out any flaws. No one could find any. McGrath smiled and said three words to me: ‘Perfect run-up, good wrist position, and perfect body alignment.’ He told me, ‘The more you stick to the basics, the longer you will play’,” Sangwan recalled.
“Big players often give simple advice, but their impact lasts a lifetime,” he said.
“I learned a lot from McGrath and worked extensively on my basics. Now, I’m seeing the results. Pradeep Sangwan is my idol – I started playing because of him. He has always supported me. We played club cricket together. Once, he landed from a flight at 3 AM and was on the practice ground by 5 AM – that’s his dedication. Virat bhai is another inspiration. During the Ranji match, our practice was scheduled for 8:15 AM, but Virat was already at the nets before 8. That’s why he is a legend,” the right-arm pacer said.
AN IPL DEAL FOR SANGWAN?
With Kohli’s wicket in his kitty, will this feat help Sangwan earn an IPL contract?
For Sangwan, he doesn’t want to chase anything in life, instead earn with his hard work and determination.
He gave trials for IPL last to last year.
Performing in front of talent scouts, including Saba Karim, Sangwan bowled at full throttle and also heard claps around due to his magnificent bowling but didn’t hear anything regarding his IPL future.
“Saba Karim came to scout talent. Players like Ashutosh Sharma, Shahbaz Ahmed, and several domestic cricketers were there. I gave my best and bowled really well. They told me, ‘Batate hain’ (We’ll let you know). But I didn’t hear anything after that. That year, there was a small IPL auction, but I wasn’t picked,” he said.
“My thoughts are clear – I want to play cricket and follow the process. I am not someone who chases things. If something is meant for me, it will happen. IPL is great, but my ultimate dream is to play Test cricket for India. I am keen to play in the IPL, and I believe I will get my opportunity. But for me, playing Test cricket is the ultimate goal,” Sangwan said.
