India star announces retirement after winning Ranji Trophy title for Mumbai, says 'It's a dream to start and finish on a high'

Mumbai's veteran pacer Dhawal Kulkarni bid farewell to cricket after lifting Ranji Trophy 2023-2024 title. Mumbai won their 42nd Ranji Trophy title after beating Vidarbha by 169 runs in the final at Wankhede on March 14. Notably, Dhawal Kulkarni had earlier announced that he will draw curtains on his cricketing career after the Ranji Trophy 2023-2024 final.

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“It's a cricketer's dream to start and finish on a high. This is my 6th final, 5th time we've won and this will be dear for me. It was an excellent gesture, I didn't expect (that Rahane would give him the ball to finish the game), but hats off for Tushar who gave the ball to me despite taking two wickets in an over,” Dhawal Kulkarni said after the match.

 

“I've got experience as I've played with big stars, they've shared plenty of experience with me and I have passed the same to the younger lot,” he concluded.

 

Beyond his impactful domestic career, Kulkarni also donned the Indian jersey, featuring in 12 ODIs and two T20Is. He claimed 19 and three wickets respectively in these formats. For over a decade, Kulkarni left his mark in the Indian Premier League, playing 92 matches across three franchises: Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Lions. He finished his IPL career with a total of 86 wickets. Earlier, Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane, Dhawal's long-time teammate, lavished praise on Kulkarni stating they both kicked off their cricketing journey together.

 

Meanwhile, after the record-extending Ranji Trophy title triumph, Rahane yet again heaped praise on Kulkarni. 

“I have been playing with him since U14 level, we toured U19 for India together. The way he conducts himself on and off the field, sharing his experiences with the younger boys has been really helpful for the side. He has been a role model, someone to look up to. I want to wish Dhawal all the very best in whatever he does with his future,” Rahane said after the match.

 

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Dhawal Kulkarni's First-Class portfolio

Kulkarni enjoyed a distinguished career in domestic cricket, leaving his mark across formats. He boasts an impressive record, claiming 281 wickets in 95 First-Class matches, 223 wickets in 130 List A matches, and 154 wickets in T20s. His bowling averages across formats further showcase his consistency: 27.31 in First-Class, 22.13 in List A, and 27.99 in T20s. Kulkarni's debut season in Ranji Trophy cricket for Mumbai in 2008 was spectacular. He emerged as the season's leading wicket-taker, claiming a remarkable 42 wickets.

Making the International Cut

His domestic exploits earned him a call-up to the Indian Test squad in 2009 against New Zealand. Although he didn't get a chance to play in that series, his debut eventually came five years later in 2014 during an ODI series in England. He later impressed with eight wickets against Sri Lanka in the same year.
Kulkarni established himself as a dependable seamer in domestic cricket, particularly for Mumbai in crucial matches. He played a pivotal role in their Ranji Trophy final victories in 2008-09, 2012-13, and 2015-16, even claiming a five-wicket haul in each final. His contribution extended beyond bowling. Notably, he scored a match-winning 87 runs in the second innings of the 2009-10 Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka, proving instrumental in securing a narrow victory for Mumbai.

 

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