Mumbai’s most experienced pacer Dhawal Kulkarni has been ruled out of the inaugural T20 League slated to take place at Wankhede stadium from March 11 to 21.
The 29-year-old who was an icon player initially went unsold as he was injured and was expected to be fully fit by March 17 only.
Mumbai North East later picked him in First Class players category at a base price of 1.50 lakhs. But now he will not be able to play in the entire tournament and is currently undergoing rehab in NCA Bengaluru.
“We received a verbal confirmation from MCA that Dhawal has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. We have asked for a replacement and are waiting for their directions,” Mumbai North East coach Atul Ranade said on Friday.
Ranade was happy though that another injured player Akash Parkar has recovered fully. “Akash joined from day one (March 5). He had a niggle which is now cleared,” he added.
Ranade, a Level 1 coach and Mumbai Under-16 Chairman of Selectors, has coached Mumbai Customs for more than a decade and held various summer camps. This is his first brush as coach in franchise cricket.
“ It has been fantastic five days with these boys. We touched upon basic points and few things required for this format. We have good a bunch of all A division and Ranji players. All other players are Ranji probables. So it is a good mix and we are targeting to make sure we reach the top four first,” he said.
Mumbai North East skipper Suryakumar Yadav rued Dhawal’s absence but was hopeful they have players to replace him.
“Dhawal is a great loss, he is the most experienced bowler in this format, obviously served a lot for Mumbai. We will miss him, but there are players who can get into his shoes. They are excited to play and are practicing hard to cover his place. I
“It is difficult but through their hard work and dedication it looks like there will be lot of surprises in the tournament,” Yadav said.
