Ranji Trophy: Bus driver's advice helped Sangwan dismiss Virat Kohli
What's the story
Fast bowler Himanshu Sangwan, who recently sent Virat Kohli back to the pavilion in a Ranji Trophy match, has revealed an unexpected source of strategic advice. The Railways's team bus driver suggested him to bowl a fifth-stump line to the seasoned Indian batter. This unconventional guidance came before Sangwan's stunning performance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on January 31, where he sent Kohli back after just six runs.
Game plan
Sangwan's strategy and self-belief
In a post-match interview with Hindustan Times, Sangwan said he was surprised to get such advice from the bus driver. However, he stressed that he was concentrating on his own strengths and not Kohli's weaknesses during the match. "I just wanted to focus on my own strengths rather than someone else's weaknesses," Sangwan said. He added there was no specific plan for Kohli but a general instruction to bowl a disciplined line against Delhi's attacking cricketers.
Match highlights
Kohli's technical flaws and Sangwan's successful tactics
Kohli's weakness against the off-stump channel is well-known, a chink that Australia exploited in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the Ranji match, Sangwan employed the same tactic successfully against Kohli, twice. Although he was hit for four on a full-length ball, Sangwan came back in the next delivery by shortening his length and bringing the ball back from a wide angle, breaching Kohli's front-foot press.
Post-match interaction
Kohli praises Sangwan's bowling skills
After the match, Sangwan revealed a memorable interaction with Kohli. The former Indian captain praised his bowling skills and even posed for a photo with him. "Virat Bhaiya himself shook hands with me and said, 'very well bowled.' He told me that I was bowling well," Sangwan recalled about their encounter after the innings.
Career path
Sangwan's journey and McGrath's encouragement
Sangwan called dismissing Kohli the biggest wicket of his career and lamented not bowling to Rishabh Pant, his former U19 teammate. The fast bowler, who left home at a young age to play cricket, has been residing in a rented house for over 15 years. Before his First-Class debut, Sangwan impressed Glenn McGrath at the MRF Pace Academy in 2018. McGrath lauded Sangwan's action and asked him to continue playing because of his strong basics.