Kulkarni Advocates for the Importance of Domestic Cricket Over IPL

Dhawal Kulkarni, who concluded his 18-year domestic cricket career last season, highlighted the critical role of consistent performance in domestic red-ball competitions for those aspiring to become Test cricketers. As the excitement surrounding the IPL continues to grow, Kulkarni urged young athletes to focus on domestic cricket if they aim to represent India in Test matches.

"Domestic cricket is undoubtedly essential for securing a position in the IPL. If your goal is to play Test cricket for India, then prioritising domestic cricket is vital," the former Mumbai fast bowler remarked in an interview with IANS. He further explained, "In Mumbai cricket, it’s customary for international players to participate in domestic matches when available. While consistent performance in these competitions is challenging, it is crucial."

While recognizing the significance of the IPL, Kulkarni asserted that domestic cricket provides unmatched exposure to varying conditions, which is indispensable for Test match readiness. "The IPL has its value, but when it comes to preparing for Test cricket, domestic cricket is more beneficial. There’s truly no substitute for it," he emphasised.

Reflecting on his remarkable career that included five Ranji Trophy titles with Mumbai, Kulkarni expressed satisfaction in his achievements. "I had planned my retirement well in advance. It’s rare for fast bowlers to enjoy 18 years of domestic cricket. It was an incredible journey, but with a new generation of fast bowlers emerging in Mumbai, it felt like the right time to step back."

He commended the rising talents in Mumbai's pace attack, such as Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Avasthi, and Shardul Thakur, who are now pivotal players for the team. Kulkarni also shared his ambition to transition into coaching, stating that retiring after Mumbai's Ranji Trophy victory was a "dream come true."

"My retirement was perfectly timed. I took both the first and last wickets in the Ranji final, which made for an ideal farewell," he concluded.