Dhawal Kulkarni

Dhawal Kulkarni IPL career highlights the swing bowler’s enduring impact on the league since his debut. Operating primarily with the new ball, Kulkarni made early breakthroughs, setting the tone for Mumbai Indians and later for Rajasthan Royals. His ability to move the ball both ways under lights turned powerplay overs into high-pressure phases for rival openers. At Mumbai Indians, he formed vital partnerships with world-class quicks, while at Rajasthan Royals he mentored emerging Indian pacers, sharing experience on cutters, knuckle balls and yorkers. Trusted in crunch games, he defended modest totals with calm execution of wide yorkers and clever change of pace. Beyond the ball, his electric fielding at backward point and long-on saved key runs, underlining his all-round value in fantasy IPL squads. Kulkarni’s reputation as a reliable domestic performer translated into consistent IPL opportunities, making him a go-to option for captains needing tight, disciplined opening spells. His story remains a testament to skill, adaptability and commitment to T20 excellence.

Dhawal Kulkarni IPL profile: 14 seasons, 86 wickets, Mumbai Indians swing ace Swing stalwart Dhawal Kulkarni has been a familiar sight in the Indian Premier League since 2008, turning out for four franchises but finding his longest home at Mumbai Indians. Across 92 bowling innings the right-arm seamer has claimed 86 wickets, never needing more than 21 balls to strike and keeping the run-flow pegged below 8.5 an over. His new-ball mastery is best captured by the seven three-wicket bursts—proof that when the white-ball swung, Kulkarni made it talk. The 2021 season marked his 14th IPL campaign and a return to the blue-and-gold of Mumbai Indians after stints with Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans. While his batting was used sparingly—104 runs from 108 balls with a highest of 28—his primary craft remained the headline. Operating largely in the Powerplay, Kulkarni has delivered 1,787 balls of disciplined swing, conceding 2,474 runs. His standout figures read 4 for 14, achieved while donning the Royals’ colours in 2015, a spell that remains etched among the league’s most economical four-fers. From the inaugural 2008 season to his most recent outing in 2021, Kulkarni’s value has always been about control and subtle movement rather than express pace. Eighty-six scalps at a strike rate hovering around 20 balls per wicket underline his knack for timely breakthroughs, making him a trusted option for captains seeking early inroads or a squeeze in the middle overs.

Note: This overview is partially generated using AI and is based on statistical data.