Before Sangwan Scalped Virat Kohli, There Was the Hunter on the Prowl – Iqbal Siddiqui

Feb 1, 2025

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Himanshu Sangwan recently dismissed Virat Kohli in the Ranji Trophy, reminding cricket fans of Iqbal Siddiqui—another bowler who once made headlines. Read about their journeys and the challenges of sustaining success in Indian cricket.

Before Sangwan Scalped Virat Kohli, There Was the Hunter on the Prowl – Iqbal Siddiqui

Cricket has a unique way of immortalizing certain moments—especially when an underdog bowler dismisses a legendary batsman. One such moment unfolded recently in the Ranji Trophy when Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan claimed the prized wicket of Virat Kohli, dismissing him for just six runs. While this moment thrust Sangwan into the limelight, history reminds us of another bowler who once sent shockwaves through Indian cricket—Iqbal Siddiqui, a name that may not be widely remembered but remains etched in the sport’s folklore.

Himanshu Sangwan’s Big Break: Kohli’s Wicket

On January 31, 2025, in a highly anticipated Ranji Trophy fixture, Railways’ medium pacer Himanshu Sangwan delivered a searing delivery that got the better of Indian cricketing icon Virat Kohli. The former Indian captain, known for his impeccable technique and ability to adapt to various conditions, was dismissed for a mere six runs. The scalp immediately put Sangwan on the map, as getting Kohli out—especially in domestic cricket—remains a monumental achievement for any bowler.

Social media buzzed with discussions about the young pacer’s potential, with experts analyzing whether Sangwan could translate his domestic performance into consistent success at the highest level. However, seasoned cricket enthusiasts were quick to draw parallels to another under-the-radar bowler from the past—Iqbal Siddiqui, whose moment of glory came in the early 2000s.

The Forgotten Tale of Iqbal Siddiqui

Iqbal Siddiqui, a right-arm medium-fast bowler from Maharashtra, had a brief yet significant career. His name surfaced in the international cricketing arena in 2001 when he was called up to the Indian Test squad against England. While he wasn’t a mainstream name in Indian cricket, his all-round performance in that match made history in a rather unusual way.

Siddiqui played his one and only Test match for India in Mohali in December 2001. He made an immediate impact by taking a crucial wicket with his bowling. But what made his debut truly remarkable was the fact that he hit the winning runs in India’s second innings—becoming only the fourth cricketer in history to achieve this feat on debut. Despite this impressive start, he never got another chance to represent India in Tests, a fate that has befallen many talented cricketers lost in the shadows of India’s highly competitive cricketing ecosystem.

However, Siddiqui continued to be a dominant force in domestic cricket. He was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and was particularly lethal in helpful conditions. For Maharashtra, he often played the role of a match-winner, much like what Sangwan aspires to do now.

The Unpredictable Journey of Domestic Cricket

Sangwan’s recent success in the Ranji Trophy serves as a reminder of how the game often throws up fresh heroes. Yet, the path from domestic cricket to international success is fraught with uncertainty. Many bowlers, like Siddiqui, have had flashes of brilliance but struggled to find a permanent spot in the Indian squad due to stiff competition.

Will Sangwan go on to have a long career, or will he remain a fleeting name remembered for that one big wicket? Cricket history suggests that performances in domestic cricket are crucial stepping stones, but only time will tell if Sangwan can build on this momentum.

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