Ranji Trophy 2024: Mumbai players give special message to Dhawal Kulkarni with Marathi touch

In a heartwarming farewell for veteran Mumbai pacer Dhawal Kulkarni, the domestic giants, Mumbai secured their 42nd Ranji Trophy title with a 169-run win over Vidarbha. Kulkarni, who had announced his retirement ahead of the final, was given a grand send-off by his teammates after claiming the last wicket to wrap up the historic victory at Wankhede Stadium.

The 35-year-old bowler ended his illustrious 16-year career on a high note, playing a pivotal role in Mumbai's victory. In an emotional send-off, Kulkarni was lifted on his teammates' shoulders while holding the trophy, and the player was in tears of joy.

The touching scenes didn't end there as Mumbai stars Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Shardul Thakur, and Shams Mulani congratulated and wished him for his next chapter of life in Marathi. The quartet praised the pacer's exceptional journey and wished him well for his future endeavors beyond the cricket field.

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Dhawal Kulkarni ended his career on a high

Kulkarni'sfarewell game could not have been scripted better. With Vidarbha nine wickets down chasing 538, Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane handed him the ball one last time. Kulkarni duly obliged, rattling the stumps to dismiss Umesh Yadav and spark wild celebrations.

"I wanted to finish on a high and I'm delighted we won the Ranji Trophy. I may have left playing but I want to give back to cricket now," an overwhelmed Kulkarni stated after the match.

Also read: MCA doubles up Mumbai's prize money to celebrate 42nd Ranji Trophy conquest

In a career spanning over 200 games for Mumbai across formats, Kulkarni claimed 281 first-class wickets including 15 five-wicket hauls. Though limited to just 14 international caps for India, he registered his name in Mumbai cricket with five Ranji titles.