According to speculations, experienced Indian bowler Dhawal Kulkarni will join the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad for the IPL 2022. In the IPL 2022 mega auction, the right-hand medium-fast bowler went unclaimed. As of now, Kulkarni is a member of the commentary team for IPL broadcaster Star Sports.
IPL 2022: Dhawal Kulkarni In MI Squad
Mumbai Indians are having their worst season in IPL history so far after losing their first six games of the competition that they have played. The team has secured Kulkarni’s services in the midst of their terrible run in the competition, despite having just a remote chance of qualifying for the playoffs. Their bowling assault appears to be one of the main sources of their dissatisfaction. Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian speed master, is getting little help from his fellow pacers in the team.
The Mumbai Indians have signed Dhawal to their team as a fast bowler, despite the lack of experience the 33 years old player has. In 92 IPL games, the seasoned pacer has claimed 86 wickets to his name. Kulkarni was acquired by the team Mumbai in 2008 for the inaugural season of the IPL; he then represented the Rajasthan Royals as well as Gujarat Lions from the year 2014 to 2019.
Mumbai Indians have again bought the fast bowler for IPL 2020, for the amount of INR 75 lakh, through the auction. He has represented the team in IPL 2020 & 2021 and is ready to continue doing the same, for the remaining of the IPL season.
Keeping in mind how the bowling unit of the Mumbai team works, Dhawal Kulkarni is highly likely to get more chances, in the coming days in this tournament. As per a report published by the Times of India, the source was cited saying, “MI skipper Rohit Sharma was very keen on adding Kulkarni to strengthen their pace attack. Being from Mumbai, he’s aware of how to bowl in Mumbai and Pune, where IPL-15 is being held.”
Kulkarni might not have been the quickest player on the squad, but his experience and ability to handle the new ball could be of value to the Mumbai Indians team. In his IPL career, he has completed a century with an overall average of 11.11. Dhawal Kulkarni’s entry at this stage in the team is very crucial and it can prove to be a major help for the team in taking the winning title home.
