By Dhawal Kulkarni’s Cricket Journey: From Mumbai Legends to Regrets in International Cricket
Dhawal Kulkarni, a stalwart of Mumbai cricket, has been a consistent presence in the Mumbai dressing rooms, sharing space with cricketing icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan, Ajit Agarkar, and more recently, Prithvi Shaw and Shreyas Iyer. His career spanning over 16 years has been decorated with numerous accolades, including four Ranji Trophy titles, two Vijay Hazare triumphs, and a Syed Mushtaq Ali championship.
Despite his stellar domestic career, Kulkarni’s international journey was limited, with only 12 ODIs and two T20Is to his name. As he prepares for retirement after the upcoming Ranji final, he reflects on his career with a tinge of regret for not playing Test cricket.
Kulkarni’s debut season in 2008-09 was spectacular, where he took 42 wickets, setting the tone for his career. Known for his ability to bowl on the off-stump corridor with late movement, Kulkarni believes he could have achieved more with his skills, especially in the era of T20 cricket where versatility is key.
Injuries have been a part of his journey, but Kulkarni credits his discipline and fitness regimen for overcoming these challenges. He cherishes memories of playing alongside legends and witnessing the rise of new talents in Mumbai cricket.
Despite his limited international opportunities, Kulkarni remains grateful for his cricketing journey and looks forward to giving back to the game by sharing his knowledge with the younger generation.
