After Mumbai’s final Ranji Trophy league encounter against Assam, which starts on February 16 at the MCA’s field in BKC, the seasoned bowler Dhawal Kulkarni, who represented India in 12 ODIs and two T20Is between 2014 and 2016, is probably going to say goodbye to professional cricket. Kulkarni has not officially disclosed his proposal, but according to a Times of India report, an MCA insider has verified the development.
Kulkarni, who has a reputation for having good movement and swing, has had an incredible 16 years playing first-class cricket. Being a member of four Ranji Trophy title victories (2008–09, 2009–10, 2012–13, and 2015–16) is one of his contributions to Mumbai’s cricket legacy. He took 281 wickets at an average of 27.31 during this historic voyage. For many years, he was an invaluable asset to Mumbai because of his ability to swing the ball and regularly cause problems for batters.
Kulkarni has collected 223 wickets at an average of 22.13 in List A matches, while his T20 total stands at 154 wickets in 162 matches at an average of 27.99. Notably, he played Indian Premier League games for the Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Lions, and Mumbai Indians.
Kulkarni’s influence was apparent even though he didn’t receive many chances to compete internationally. He claimed 19 wickets at an average of 26.73 in 12 ODI matches, with a best performance of 4/34. During his T20I career, he took three wickets at an average of 18.33.
Notably, in September 2008 in Bengaluru, Dhawal Kulkarni made his first-class debut for India A against Australia.
He had a tremendous first season with Mumbai in red-ball cricket, and his ability to hit batsmen with swing and movement made him a force to be reckoned with.
Regarding the current campaign, Kulkarni has participated in three Ranji Trophy games thus far, taking four wickets against Andhra, two against Kerala, and one against Bengal. His decision to stand down signals the end of a chapter in Mumbai’s fast-bowling history.