Dhawal Kulkarni likely to announce retirement after Mumbai’s last Ranji Trophy league game

Dhawal Kulkarni, the seasoned pacer who represented India in 12 ODIs and two T20Is between 2014 and 2016, is likely to bid farewell to professional cricket following Mumbai’s final Ranji Trophy league match against Assam, commencing on February 16 at the MCA’s ground in BKC. While Kulkarni has not revealed his plan as yet, an MCA source in the know has confirmed the development as per a Times of India report.

Kulkarni, known for his swing and movement, has etched a remarkable 16-year career in first-class cricket. His contribution to Mumbai’s cricket legacy includes being part of four Ranji Trophy title triumphs: 2008-09, 2009-10, 2012-13, and 2015-16. During this illustrious journey, he scalped 281 wickets at an average of 27.31. His ability to swing the ball and consistently trouble batsmen made him a vital asset for Mumbai for several years.

In List A matches, Kulkarni has claimed 223 wickets at an average of 22.13 while his T20 tally is 154 wickets in 162 matches at an average of 27.99. Notably, he also represented the Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League.

Despite not getting extensive opportunities at the international level, Kulkarni’s impact was evident. In ODIs, he took 19 wickets in 12 ODI matches at an average of 26.73, with a best performance of 4/34. His T20I stint yielded three wickets at an average of 18.33.

Notably, Kulkarni’s journey began with his first-class debut for India A against Australia in September 2008 in Bengaluru. His knack for beating batters with swing and movement made him a force to reckon with as he had a sensational debut season with Mumbai in red-ball cricket. 

When it comes to the ongoing season, Kulkarni played three matches so far in the Ranji Trophy and has scalped seven wickets - four against Andhra, two against Kerala and one against Bengal. With him going to step aside, this marks the end of an era in Mumbai’s fast-bowling chapter.