Dhawal Kulkarni has decided to hang up his boots. After playing domestic cricket for 17 years and participating in 14 IPL seasons, the fast bowler has decided to leave the sport that has given so much to him. Playing in his last match, the pacer, who had been out of action for over a month due to injury, returned to play in the Ranji Trophy 2024 Final and took his side to yet another title.
Having been part of Mumbai in domestic and franchise cricket (Mumbai Indians), Dhawal found immense success. The fast bowler even represented the India cricket team in 14 matches. However, he failed to replicate the same success he found in domestic cricket at the international level.
A good friend of the current Indian skipper, Dhawal played alongside Rohit Sharma in all forms of the game. With his career coming to a close, Rohit even came to watch his good friend play for one last time and even posted a heartfelt message for him as the pacer led Mumbai to a record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title.
Dhawal Kulkarni ends his career on a high
Having last won the title in the 2015-2016 season, Mumbai, the most dominant side in Indian domestic cricket, was raring to taste glory one more time. With a Mumbai legend retiring, the fast bowler made an immediate impact in the second inning.
He claimed three of Vidarbha’s top 4 (Karun Nair, Atharva Taide, and Aman Mokhade) and ensured they gained a big lead despite posting just 224 in their first inning. And he ended his career by cleaning Umesh Yadav, taking a wicket on his final ball, and taking Mumbai across the line after 2938 days.
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