Ashwin lauds Himanshu Sangwan post impressive performance vs Delhi
What's the story
Former Indian cricket star, Ravichandran Ashwin, has lauded seamer Himanshu Sangwan for his brilliant performance in the Railways Ranji Trophy match against Delhi.
The highlight of the match was when Sangwan dismissed Virat Kohli at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Ashwin gushed over the performance on his Hindi YouTube channel "Ash ki baat," saying that "Himanshu Sangwan delivered a phenomenal ball."
However, despite Sangwan's performance, Delhi won the match by an innings and 19 runs.
High praise
Ashwin hails Sangwan as 'gold-dust performer'
Further praising Sangwan's skills, Ashwin said, "Himanshu Sangwan delivered a phenomenal ball. He is not an ordinary Ranji Trophy bowler. He is a tested performer."
Ashwin further added, "He is a gold-dust performer."
He was especially impressed with the delivery which dismissed Kohli, lauding him saying, "He bowled an exceptional delivery. There was a gap between pad and bat, it was a class delivery, the ball deserved a wicket."
Career milestone
Sangwan's celebration and future aspirations
Sangwan's celebration of Kohli's dismissal became a social media trend. Despite all the attention, he clarified his animated celebrations are his normal practice.
The 29-year-old ticket collector in Northern Railways hoped his 'Kohli' moment could be life-changing.
"It is the most important wicket of my life. It goes without saying," Sangwan said, adding "It goes without saying. Virat Kohli is an inspiration to the whole country."
Expert insight
Ashwin's analysis of Kohli's batting
Ashwin also broke down Kohli's batting in the match, observing "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."
Ashwin said he was happy for Kohli's fandom and added, "The fandom and love that Virat Kohli gets is enviable. I am so happy for Virat".
Tournament importance
Ashwin defends Ranji Trophy's significance
Responding to a fan's tweet that said the Ranji Trophy is blessed because Kohli was playing after 12 years, Ashwin defended the tournament's importance.
He reminded fans of its rich history and premier status, adding that legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also played it regularly.
"For cricket, players are not important, but for players, cricket is very important," Ashwin said.
Stats
Sangwan's overall stats in FC cricket
Notably, Sangwan ended his first innings against Delhi with figures worth 4/55 (25.4 overs).
His scalps included crucial wickets of half-centurion Sumit Mathur and Money Grewal alongside Kohli and opener Sanat Sangwan.
Meanwhile, as per ESPNcricinfo, the wicket of Grewal took Sangwan's FC tally to 81 wickets (AVG: 19.61), across 24 matches (41 innings).