Retiring bowler happy to conclude his career on a high: he grabbed Vidarbha's final wicket to secure the Ranji Trophy title for Mumbai.
When Tanush Kotian dismissed Yash Thakur, leaving Vidarbha nine behind in their pursuit of 538 in the Ranji Trophy final at the Wankhede, Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane handed the ball to Dhawal Kulkarni, hoping to give him one last hurrah. Kulkarni certainly obliged, rattling the stumps when Umesh Yadav missed a reckless shot to seal the title for Mumbai. An emotional Kulkarni was acknowledged during the presentation ceremony, and as the squad rejoiced, his teammates carried him onto their shoulders in front of the home crowd. It was an appropriate farewell if there ever was one.
Kulkarni, who wanted to cap off his career on a good note, is still interested in cricket and wants to give back to the sport that has given him so much.
"I haven't given it much thought, but cricket has given me so much that I want to give back to the game, whether through coaching or whatever role I get," Kulkarni said during the post-match press conference. "I want to return it to cricket." So whatever I do in the future will revolve around cricket.
Kulkarni, who made his Mumbai debut in 2007, exits after appearing in 208 matches across many formats.
Kulkarni was moved by Rahane's generosity in giving him the opportunity to grab the final Vidarbha wicket.
Kulkarni was moved by Rahane's generosity in giving him the opportunity to grab the final Vidarbha wicket.
"It's fairly memorable because you want to finish your career on a high. Tushar (Deshpande) was bowling. Shardul [Thakur] and Ajinkya discussed 'giving it to Dhawal'. I wasn't even prepared to bowl when they said, 'No, you bowl'.
"That was certainly a memorable wicket. I took the first and last wickets in the game, so it was a wonderful experience."
"That was certainly a memorable wicket. I took the first and last wickets in the game, so it was a wonderful experience."
Kulkarni, who played 12 ODIs and two T20Is for India, believes he could have had more opportunities to represent the country, but he refuses to dwell on the past.
"What's gone, is gone. "I focus on the future rather than what has happened in the past," Kulkarni remarked. "I realize I should have played more cricket for the Indian team, but what's gone is gone. "I've never complained about it."
"I have never pointed a finger at anyone. That is how I am. That describes my personality. I've always seen that as a challenge. I've always tried to improve my game or myself, rather than looking at others. Every time I stepped on the pitch, I hoped to improve. How can I do better? That was the question on my mind."
Kulkarni finished his playing career with 95 first-class outings and 281 wickets. He has 223 wickets in 130 List-A games and 154 wickets in 162 T20s.
"I have never pointed a finger at anyone. That is how I am. That describes my personality. I've always seen that as a challenge. I've always tried to improve my game or myself, rather than looking at others. Every time I stepped on the pitch, I hoped to improve. How can I do better? That was the question on my mind."
Kulkarni finished his playing career with 95 first-class outings and 281 wickets. He has 223 wickets in 130 List-A games and 154 wickets in 162 T20s.
"I think Dhawal has a lot of nice attributes. We were roommates for several years. But one aspect of him as a player stood out: his determination and attitude of never giving up," Rahane added. "Playing for Mumbai for 17 years was not easy. However, the dedication and determination with which he has played year after year have been incredible.
"It's easy when things don't go your way. As a cricketer, he has demonstrated control and devotion over time. "I've always seen it," Rahane added. "We were roommates in our earlier years, but since then I've watched him grow. He has won numerous games for Mumbai.
"It's easy when things don't go your way. As a cricketer, he has demonstrated control and devotion over time. "I've always seen it," Rahane added. "We were roommates in our earlier years, but since then I've watched him grow. He has won numerous games for Mumbai.
"I believe he has played in six finals, and we have won all six. His character on the pitch has been outstanding. And I've been quite thrilled for him and his career.
