Dhawal Kulkarni, who had been one of the prominent bowling figures in domestic cricket for Mumbai, has been named as the bowling mentor of the team for the upcoming Ranji season. The decision was taken after the meeting of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) governing council.
Kulkarni, who played 12 ODIs and 2 T20s for Team India from 2012 to 2016, has hung up his boots after helping Mumbai win the elusive trophy for the record 42nd time. The right-arm bowler, who played 96 first-class games, took 285 wickets, 223 in 130 List A games, and 154 in 162 T20 matches.
Apart from that, the governing council has also made up its mind to honor former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar on his 75th birthday, i.e., July 10.
“Dhawal Kulkarni has been named our bowling mentor for the forthcoming campaign. To commemorate Mr. Sunil Gavaskar on his 75th birthday, Mr. Amol Kale (president) recommended it, and the Apex Council unanimously accepted it, stated MCA secretary Ajinkya Naik.
The veteran pace bowler was also seen doing commentary in the recently concluded Indian Premier League, in which he hinted at his wish to take coaching roles in the near future.
I want to give back to cricket, whether it be through coaching or some other capacity, because the game has given me so much. I haven’t given it much thought. “Therefore, my entire future endeavors will revolve around cricket,” Kulkarni had declared following Mumbai’s victory in the Ranji Trophy at the Wankhede Stadium. During the meeting, the MCA also decided to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the storied Wankhede Stadium this year with the publication of a coffee table book and a stamp.
