Seasoned India fast-bowler Dhawal Kulkarni is all set to join the Mumbai Indians in playing capacity for the remainder of the IPL 2022 season.
Dhawal Kulkarni gets an mid-season IPL call up from commentary duties
This last-moment IPL stint marks a drastic transition for the 33-year-old Mumbai quick, who- up until receiving the IPL call up- had been doing commentary duties for Star Sports in this year’s tournament. But some injury concerns in the MI camp have now provided Dhawal a golden opportunity to make a comeback in the IPL.
It’s not often that players who are engaged in commentary duties get an IPL call-up mid-season but there is one notable precedence. David Hussey, back in 2014, got roped in by the Chennai Super Kings while he was filling in as a commentator in the IPL.
Mumbai Indians are yet to make an official statement on Dhawal’s signing; but it’s understood that Dhawal has already joined the MI bio-bubble and will resume training soon. His inclusion in the MI camp seems to be on a probation basis for the time being, as Mumbai haven’t claimed any of their players getting injured. But depending on his performances in Mumbai’s net sessions, Dhawal might get a chance to feature in the playing XI.
Mumbai in dire need of some good bowling
Dhawal’s acquisition comes as a smart albeit late measure from the Mumbai Indians, who are yet to register a win in this season. Pace-bowling has been just one among the many issues that have hurt the Rohit Sharma-led franchise this time around.
Jasprit Bumrah, MI’s pace-bowling spearhead, hasn’t had much success himself, but the lack of a pedigreed fast-bowling partner has just aggravated the team’s bowling issues. The likes of Jaydev Unadkat, Basil Thampi, Daniel Sams, Tymal Mills, and Rilee Meredith have all been tried out so far, but none of the players have been able to make an impact.
On that front, Dhawal, with an experience of 92 IPL matches under his belt, could prove to be a valuable late season pick who could really turn around the tide for Mumbai. Being a Mumbaikar, he has a lot of playing experiences of this year’s IPL pitches, which should serve his team well.
