Dhawal Kulkarni, who retired last season after an 18-year-long domestic cricket career, emphasised that performing consistently in domestic red-ball competitions is essential for aspiring Test cricketers. Amid the growing allure of the IPL, Kulkarni urged young players to prioritise domestic cricket if their ultimate goal is to represent India in Test matches.
"Absolutely, domestic cricket is key to earning a spot in the IPL. If you want to play Test cricket for India, domestic cricket is crucial," said the former Mumbai pacer in an interview with IANS. He added, "In Mumbai cricket, it's standard for international players to participate in domestic games when available. Consistent performance in domestic competitions isn't easy, but it's vital."
While acknowledging the importance of the IPL, Kulkarni reiterated that domestic cricket offers unparalleled exposure to diverse conditions, which is crucial for Test match preparation. "The IPL has its significance, but domestic cricket holds more value, especially for those aiming for Test cricket. There’s no substitute for it," he noted.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, which included five Ranji Trophy titles with Mumbai, Kulkarni expressed pride in his accomplishments. "I had planned my retirement well in advance. Not many fast bowlers get to play 18 years of domestic cricket. It was a wonderful journey, but with so many young fast bowlers coming through in Mumbai, it felt like the right time to step aside."
Kulkarni praised the emerging talents in Mumbai’s pace lineup, including Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Avasthi, and Shardul Thakur, who are now key players for the team. He also shared his intention to move into coaching, adding that retiring after Mumbai's Ranji Trophy victory was a "dream come true."
"My retirement couldn’t have been better. I took both the first and last wickets in the Ranji final, so it was the perfect send-off," he concluded.