'Beating Virat Bhai Was More Satisfying': 21-Year-Old Mumbai Spinner Reminisces Chennai Net Sessions

Mumbai offspinner Himanshu Singh, who picked seven wickets in his team's innings victory over a hapless Odisha in the Ranji Trophy on Saturday, November 9, has said that between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, he enjoyed beating the latter more during the Chennai net sessions. He added that the confidence stemming from those sessions is helping him play at his best for Mumbai. Himanshu was among the net bowlers during India’s six-day camp in Chennai before their two-Test series against Bangladesh.In just his third first-class match against Odisha, Himanshu displayed his skills, recording his best match figures of 3/53 and 4/77 to help Mumbai register an innings and 103 runs victory at home. "I bowled at them (Rohit and Kohli) and beat both of them, but beating Virat bhai was more satisfying. I spoke with (Ravindra) Jadeja about his preparations etc," Himanshu told the media in Mumbai after the win. “I had gone there (Chennai) first, (playing in the) Ranji (Trophy) happened for me later. I got a lot of confidence after bowling there against big players. The confidence is now reflecting here and I am happy about it," Himanshu added. The 21-year-old said that he has learned a lot about off-spin bowling while watching ace India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as well as Nathan Lyon. “I only follow two bowlers all over the world, Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin. Whatever I have learned in terms of off-spin bowling in white and red-ball cricket, has been from watching them bowl," Himanshu said. At 6’4, the 21-year-old might resemble Ashwin in terms of his bowling action but he understands the long road ahead.“It was only my third match. I have a long way to go. I cannot say I am settled but it has been all about learning," Himanshu said. Mumbai play their next match against the Services from November 13. Notably, the 21-year-old has registered himself for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auctions.