Gone are the days when retirement plans for cricketers meant foraying to business or broadcasting the game. Legends League Cricket has shifted the dynamics and has managed to procure some star former cricketers under one roof. Former India Cricketer, Dhawal Kulkarni, who plays for India Capitals in LLC has reiterated this very aspect of the T20 league.
In October 2016, the 35-year-old made his debut for India in an ODI match against New Zealand. His most well-known exploits in domestic cricket were with Mumbai. Before stepping out from first-class cricket in 2024, he guided Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy Title. According to Kulkarni, LLC is a fantastic way for cricket players to remain involved in the sport.
He expressed gratitude to coaches and physiotherapists for handling LLC’s burden in spite of their busy schedules
“For retired cricket players who wish to play again, the Legends Cricket League is an excellent platform. It’s an excellent way for them to keep up their cricket connections. Before, after hanging up their boots, retired cricket players could only coach and commentate,” Kulkarni stated, as reported by Pune News.
It takes time for your body to get used to: Dhawal Kulkarni
The veteran played first-class cricket for Mumbai and had an amazing career. He played in 96 matches, taking 285 wickets as a pacer. In addition, he has 223 wickets in List A matches. The right-arm pacer has claimed 154 crickets in 160 T20 matches.
“We trained in Jodhpur prior to the competition, and trainers and physios did an excellent job of controlling our workload for the tournament. It is really difficult to play after 4-5 months due to the rain in Mumbai. Your body needs time to acclimatize, and in T201, we don’t have much of that,” he continued.
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Kulkarni played two T20Is and twelve ODIs for India. In the few chances he had, he took 22 wickets for India in all.