India fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni, a Mumbai stalwart, is all set to hang up his boots at the end of the Ranji Trophy season. While a few reports claimed that he would end his career after the league match vs Assam, but that was not to be. Talking to Sportstar, Dhawal confirmed that he would stay until the of the season.
“The MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association), the selectors and the coaches requested me to stay back with Mumbai till the end of the season. Once the knockout phase is over, I will retire…”
The veteran, who played 12 ODIs & two T20Is for India, played his last international match in 2016. Meanwhile, in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, he has played three matches and picked up seven wickets.
Experience is the Key
“My experience as a senior player might help the team during the knockouts, which is the most important phase of the tournament. As and when I will be required to play, I will play and will retire after the last game,” Kulkarni said.
“Being someone who has been a part of the previous championship-winning team, I wanted to be here. I thought of accepting the request of the MCA, the coaches and the selectors…”
Dhawal’s Regret
But despite being a solid performer, the fast bowler could never make it to the Test team. “That’s one thing I could not get. I have always dreamed of it. Though I was there, unfortunately, I did not get a go at it. That was not in my hands. I gave my best in these 17 years,” he said. “Even now, I will try to contribute to Mumbai cricket and India in whatever way possible…”
