Reports: Dhawal Kulkarni set to join Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2022

As per the latest developments, veteran pacer Dhawal Kulkarni is set to join the struggling Mumbai Indians for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The pacer, who went unsold in the mega auction, is a part of the Star Sports commentary team. He’s now set to resume his on-field assignments as the five-time champions have bagged his services amid their poor run in the ongoing competition.

Having lost their first six games of the season, MI are languishing at the rock-bottom of the team standings and a couple of more defeats can see their ouster from the playoff race. One of the major reasons behind their struggle is the inability of bowlers to take wickets or contain runs. While pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has blown hot and cold, he has hardly received assistance from other bowlers.

MI skipper Rohit Sharma was keen to add Dhawal Kulkarni

Owing to the same, MI have added Kulkarni to the squad as the 33-year-old fast bowler has a plethora of experience. So far, he has taken 86 wickets in 92 IPL games for MI, Rajasthan Royals and the now-defunct Gujarat Lions. Kulkarni bagged INR 75 lakh from MI in 2020 and he served the team in 2021 as well, although he played just one game in this period.

However, he’s now likely to get more chances as MI are short of potent bowlers. “MI skipper Rohit Sharma was keen on adding Kulkarni to strengthen their pace attack. Being from Mumbai, he’s aware of how to bowl in Mumbai and Pune, where IPL-15 is being held,” a source was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Kulkarni might not be the fastest of bowlers going around but his ability to swing the new ball makes him a force to reckon with. He is also well versed with the drill of IPL, having been part of the competition since the inaugural edition in 2008. Hence, MI would want the pacer to contribute significantly this season.