Himanshu Sangwan is not an ordinary Ranji Trophy bowler: R Ashwin | Cricket News

Former India cricketer R Ashwin has lauded seamer Himanshu Sangwan, who castled Virat Kohli at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during Railways Ranji Trophy fixture against Delhi.
“Himanshu Sangwan delivered a phenomenal ball,” R Ashwin said on his hindi YouTube channel “Ash ki baat.”
“He is not an ordinary Ranji Trophy bowler. He is a tested performer.
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“He is a gold-dust performer. He bowled an exceptional delivery. There was a gap between pad and bat, it was a class delivery. The ball deserved a wicket,” he said.
He celebrated the prized wicket with full enthusiasm, unmindful of the attention he had attracted on social media with his exploits.
After stumps on day two, the 29-year-old ticket collector in Northern Railways did hope his ‘Kohli’ moment will lead to something ‘life-changing’.
Railways’ Himanshu Sangwan celebrates the wicket of Delhi’s Virat Kohli on the second day of a Ranji trophy cricket match between Delhi and Railways, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. (PTI Photo)
“It is the most important wicket of my life. It goes without saying. Virat Kohli is an inspiration to the whole country,” said Sangwan, who is in the middle of his 24th first class game having made his debut for Railways back in 2019.Story continues below this ad
Ashwin also spoke about Kohli’s batting and his dismissal.
“I saw him (Virat Kohli) batting. His bat was coming down a little faster.
“Sometimes, you have to adjust to the speed. When you face 140-145kmph bowlers regularly, you need to adjust to the pace. Time in the middle, nothing can beat it.
“The fandom and love that Virat Kohli gets is enviable. I am so happy for Virat that he has these sorts of fans. Totally happy for Virat Kohli,” he added.Story continues below this ad
R Ashwin also slammed a fan for saying Ranji Trophy is blessed because Virat Kohli was playing in it after 12 years.
“I saw one tweet saying ‘Ranji Trophy is blessed’. I would just say, pay some attention. Do you even know the hory of the Ranji Trophy? It has been going on for so many years. It has been a premier tournament,” said Ashwin.
“Sachin Tendulkar, who is a legendary cricketer, used to play the Ranji Trophy at all times. Players benefit from playing in the tournament. For cricket, players are not important, but for players, cricket is very important,” he added.