According to the latest reports in the Times of India, veteran pacer Dhawal Kulkarni is expected to join the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad for the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The fast bowler, who went unsold in the mega auction, is currently 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 IPL 2022.

Having lost their first six matches of the season, MI has never managed to get ahead from the bottom of the points table and a couple more losses can see them getting out of the race to qualify for the playoffs. One of the major reasons behind their struggle is their bowler hasn’t managed to take wickets regularly or contain the flow of runs. While pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t been getting enough assistance from other bowlers.

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Owing to the same, MI have added Kulkarni to the squad as the 33-year-old fast bowler comprises of a plethora of experience. So far, he has scalped 86 wickets in 92 IPL matches 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, Dhawal Kulkarni is now likely to get more chances as MI are short of potent bowlers. One of the sources of Times of India said, “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.”

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Dhawal Kulkarni might not have the pacer but possesses the ability to swing the ball both ways and 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.