On a sun-kissed Day One of their Ranji Trophy clash against Himachal Pradesh, Sanat Sangwan stood tall as the bedrock of Delhi’s innings. His composed 79 not only steadied the ship early but also laid the platform for a commanding total of 306/4 at stumps—proving once again that discipline and technique still rule the roost in red-ball cricket .
Sanat Sangwan’s Textbook Knock Sets the Tone
Batting with the kind of patience rarely seen in today’s high-octane cricket landscape, Sanat Sangwan showcased why he remains a vital cog in Delhi’s batting machinery. Facing a probing Himachal Pradesh new-ball attack, Sangwan left judiciously, played late, and punished only the loose deliveries. His 79 came off 162 balls and included 10 boundaries—each one a product of timing, not brute force .
More Than Just Runs: A Mentor at the Crease
What made Sangwan’s innings even more impactful was how he nurtured his opening partner, who went on to score a maiden First-Class half-century. By taking the bulk of the strike early and shielding the younger batter from pressure, Sangwan played the role of both opener and mentor—a quiet leadership that doesn’t always show up in scorecards but shapes innings.
The Coaching Influence Behind the Calm
Sources close to the team reveal that Sangwan’s disciplined approach stems from rigorous sessions with his personal coach, who has emphasized “process over results” in recent months. This mindset shift has visibly paid off: fewer false shots, better shot selection, and an unflappable presence at the crease—even against quality seamers on a slightly grassy track at the Arun Jaitley Stadium .
Delhi’s Strong Reply in Context
Himachal Pradesh, known for their gritty performances in domestic cricket, had hoped to exploit early conditions. But Sangwan’s resilience blunted their plans. By the time he walked off (retiring not out for strategic reasons), Delhi were firmly in control, with middle-order batters like Ayush Badoni and Dhruv Shorey building on his foundation.
Day One Scorecard Snapshot
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanat Sangwan | 79* | 162 | 10/0 |
| Opening Partner | 58 | 112 | 7/0 |
| Team Total (Stumps) | 306/4 | 90 overs | — |
Why This Innings Matters for Delhi’s Season
After inconsistent starts in previous matches, Delhi needed a solid foundation—and Sanat Sangwan delivered exactly that. His knock not only boosts team morale but also sends a message to selectors: experience and temperament still have a place in India’s domestic circuit, even as young guns grab headlines.
Sources
Times of India: Sanat Sangwan props up Delhi vs Himachal Pradesh