Dhawal Kulkarni believes he could play for India again, remains optimistic about his comeback

Dhawal Kulkarni
Image Credits: Twitter
Dhawal Kulkarni
Image Credits: Twitter

The cricketing world is currently raving about Dinesh Karthik‘s comeback to the Indian team after a stint in the commentary box. The wicketkeeper-batter set the Indian Premier League 2022 on fire to force a comeback to the national side. Now, another player with the same nickname ‘DK’ is looking to take inspiration from Dinesh Karthik’s story. Mumbai pacer Dhawal Kulkarni is looking to mount a comeback to the Indian side on the back of solid performances in the domestic circuit.

The veteran pacer set the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals on fire by breaking the back of Uttarakhand’s top order. He played a vital role in Mumbai’s record-breaking victory to advance to the semifinals.

“I still feel I can make a comeback for India” – Dhawal Kulkarni

“This was the first year that I didn’t get picked for the IPL. It was a bit of a setback for me, so I took up commentary to be occupied mentally. And it was good fun,” Kulkarni told Sportstar about his commentary stint.

Talking about joining Mumbai Indians in the IPL bio-bubble as a replacement player, Dhawal Kulkarni praised the franchise’s team management.

“I did join the bubble but that was because I had a break from the commentary stint and it was nice of the Mumbai Indians management to let me practice with the group,” added the pacer.

The right-arm pacer talked about mentoring newcomers in the Mumbai squad, including Mohit Avasthi and Siddharth Raut, along with bowling coach Vishal Mahadik.

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“When I was young, I always had Ajit (Agarkar) and Zaheer (Khan) to help me become a better bowler, a better cricketer and a better individual,” Dhawal said. “I am just passing on what I learnt from them to the new bowlers, they are extremely talented. And with Tushar (Deshpande) coming in now, it’s become a little bit easier since he is a seasoned bowler now,” further added Dhawal Kulkarni.

During the further conversation, the pacer also talked about how he kept himself fit mentally and physically during the IPL.

“There was not too much to do besides sitting at home and working on fitness. Since the grounds in Mumbai were occupied for IPL practice, we couldn’t really do skills training, so I thought of trying out something new. At the same time, whenever there was a break for IPL teams, I would train with the Mumbai boys.”

Dhawal Kulkarni made his last appearance for the Indian team in October 2016 but he is now hoping to get another chance on the back of his consistent performances for Mumbai in domestic cricket.

“Domestic cricket has always been up there for me. I am where I am is primarily due to Mumbai cricket. Since I still feel I can make a comeback for India, I know that performing for Mumbai is paramount. If I can continue to do that and help Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy, it can benefit me as well,” explained Dhawal Kulkarni while signing off.