Himanshu Sangwan: Mumbai batters like playing their shots; we tested their resolve

File Photo: Himanshu Sangwan’s most famous wicket was against Virat Kohli in 2025. He’s still producing the goods for Railways in the Ranji Trophy. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library

Himanshu Sangwan shot to fame last year when he dismissed Virat Kohli in the star batter’s much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy.

On Monday, the Railways pacer showed once again why he remains a handful, claiming three wickets to trigger a Mumbai downslide and bring his side back into the contest at the Brabourne Stadium.

Railways has endured a difficult start to the season, but Sangwan brings a much-needed discipline and purpose to its attack. Despite Mumbai settling into its innings, he got Angkrish Raghuvanshi caught behind with an outgoing delivery.  

The surface had been a little slow in the morning, with the ball not coming off it as expected. As the sun came out, conditions shifted, prompting the Railways attack to adjust its approach.

“The wicket was a little sticky in the first session. When we bowled, the ball wasn’t coming off the surface. As soon as the sun came out, the conditions changed a little. We discussed it with the coaches and decided to focus on containing the batters rather than trying too many things,” Sangwan said.

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He explained that the plan against Mumbai’s aggressive batting line-up was to keep hitting the same areas of the pitch and test the batters’ resolve.

“Mumbai’s batters like to play their shots. Our basic plan was to keep bowling in one area and test their patience. We believed they would eventually play their shots,” he said.

With Railways effectively a bowler short, Sangwan also acknowledged the need for others to shoulder extra responsibility.

“If one of your five bowlers has an off day, the others have to put in that extra effort. But that’s part of the game,” he added.