Team India skipper Rohit Sharma tipped his hat to veteran cricketer Dhawal Kulkarni who announced his retirement from the sport following the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy final. The pacer played a key role for Mumbai in their 42th Ranji Trophy title defeating Vidarbha at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Dhawal Kulkarni got a perfect farewell as he took the final wicket in the summit clash to seal the championship by 169 runs. He finished the match with four wickets for Mumbai. Overall, the pacer has taken 281 wickets in first-class cricket including fifteen five-wicket hauls. He made his India debut in 2014 against England in an ODI at Birmingham. He has played for the 12 ODIs and 2 T20Is, picking up 19 wickets in ODIs and three in T20Is.
The veteran cricketer announced his retirement following Mumbai’s win in the final. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who is Dhawal Kulkarni’s good friend, hailed the pacer. The duo have played together for Mumbai, India as well as the Mumbai Indians. Taking to Instagram stories, Rohit Sharma wrote, “Mumbai cha yodha (Mumbai’s warrior). Well done on a fantastic career.”
Dhawal Kulkarni has been a role model: Ajinkya Rahane
Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane also heaped praise on teammate Dhawal Kulkarni as the pacer retired from the sport on Thursday, March 14. He expressed that Dhawal has been a role model for the players, and wished him the best for his future. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Ajinkya Rahane said,
“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.”
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