Tanveer Sangha impresses: The incredible story behind the Australian leg-spinner’s eleventh-hour debut in Durban
International debut is a huge moment in any cricketer’s career. All the years of hard work and sacrifices yield results on the biggest day and it’s natural that a cricketer feels a little nervous and anxious before stepping onto the field. And that’s Tanveer Sangha would have been forgiven even if the Australian leg-spinner had given away 40 runs without picking up a wicket in his T20I debut against South Africa in Durban on August 30.
However, the 21-year-old leg-spinner, who has been making heads turn with his skills and composure, shone in his T20I debut. He took 4 wickets in his 4-over spell, giving away just 18 runs, running through the South African batting unit on a pitch where Australian batters scored 226 runs in 20 overs. South Africa were bundled out for 115, thanks to Sangha’s sensational debut.
What makes Tanveer Sangha’s debut heroics even more special is that the leg-spinner knew he would make his debut only on the matchday morning. The Birmingham Phoenix spinner was at the gym, trying to recover from a long flight from the UK where he played The Hundred. And then came the news that senior leg-spinner Adam Zampa had woken up with illness on the matchday and he would be making his international debut.
Yet, Tanveer Sangha showed no signs of nerves when he stepped out in Durban and worked his magic. He got his first wicket in the 7th over with a half-tracker and then was on a hat-trick in his next over. The delivery to Tristan Stubbs in his second over — a perfectly-bowled leg-break with flight, grip and turn, shows why Australia took the bold call to name him as part of World Cup probables despite him not having played an international fixture.
‘HE WAS IN THE GYM’
In fact, Sangha played only 3 competitive matches in the last 12 months before making his surprise international debut as he spent time on the sidelines due to a stress fracture.
“I don’t think Tanveer’s heart rate gets over 100,” captain Mitchell Marsh, who shone with a brutal 92 not out said on Wednesday.
“He was in the gym when he found out and he was pretty chilled and said he’s ready to go and it appears that he keeps it very simple, which will hold him in good stead for top level cricket. His demeanour is fantastic. I’m proud of him to come in and have a debut like that. He’s got a great smile, so hopefully we see it for many years to come.”
The talented spinner had faced a major setback when he suffered a shoulder injury, which required surgery, resulting in a 12-month break from cricket.
Born to Indian-origin parents, Sangha’s cricketing journey began at a young age. His passion for the sport was nurtured by his family, who always supported and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. Notably, Tanveer’s father Joga moved to Australia in the 1990s and became a Taxi driver in Sydney while his mother works as an accountant.
From making a mark in the U19 World Cup where he picked up 15 wickets in 6 matches in South Africa, to propelling himself closer to a berth in the Australian squad for the ODI World Cup in India, Tanveer Sangha has come a long way.
