Sumit Narhwal is quickly turning Delhi’s Mr Reliable with both bat and ball

He recognised the voice at the other end, but it took him a few minutes to realise what the message meant.

Sumit Narhwal’s career had seemed to have hit a dead end: it had been a long time since he had been shunted out of the Haryana Ranji team, and there were no alternatives in sight.

Then, just ahead of the Ranji Trophy semi-finals last season, he got the phone call from Gautam Gambhir — who told him of his inclusion in the Delhi team — that he admits changed his life. Playing for ONGC helped pay the bills, but it was the Delhi break that proved to be his ticket to fame. He played his part in his team clinching the trophy, and with 13 wickets in three games already this season, is turning out to be the defending champions’ Mr Reliable.

“I can never forget that call from Gauti. It took me a few minutes to realise what he had said. I was playing with him for ONGC in all big tournaments and never before had he either indicated or mentioned that he might take up my case to play for Delhi. It was a bolt from the blue, but a happy one.

“The break came at the right time. I was hungry and craving an opportunity, and within a short span, I am pleased that I have fulfilled the faith Gauti and Virender Sehwag reposed in me,” he says.

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