Back in the team for the Ranji Trophy 2015-16 final after missing the semi-final due to a niggle, Dhawal Kulkarni claimed a four-for on the first day as he led the Mumbai attack against Saurashtra.
He finished the day by ending the eighth wicket stand which had resisted the Mumbai attack for the latter half of the day as they added 84 runs. Kulkarni struck with the second new ball to claim Arpit Vasavada for 77 at the stroke of stumps. Reflecting on the first day’s play, the pacer said, “It was a good day today. The first session did a bit, and then, the wicket eased down.”
Speaking about the crucial wicket at the end of the day, he said, “It was very important. We wanted to restrict the runs till we got the new ball, and once the new ball came, we wanted to capitalise.”
The partnership had kept the Mumbai bowlers at bay and denied them the chance to bowl the team out on Day 1. Asked if it was difficult later to keep pressure on after reducing Saurashtra to 108 for seven, Kulkarni said, “Yeah, it was difficult, but we had to bowl in the right areas and that's what we did. That's how we restricted them to this score today.”
Lauding the efforts of Abhishek Nayar and Balwainder Sandhu in testing the opposition batsmen he said, “It was very crucial to restrict the runs at that time because a partnership was going on. That's how we created the pressure. That's what Nayar and Ballu did.
“Till around 20 overs, the ball does a bit off the surface. But later on, it's easy for the batsmen, if they apply themselves,” he observed.
Speaking about his plans on seaming tracks, the bowler said, “I just keep my basics right. I don't try to do much. I don't try to go for wickets, instead just back myself and just do the basics.”
As he went about his task, he claimed the key wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara as well in the first session to push Saurashtra into a corner. Elaborating on the wicket, he said, “Pujara is always a little dicey on the ball which comes in. And that's what I had in my mind. I have played against him before also, so that's what was there in my mind - to keep bowling in, and then, surprise him with the outgoing delivery.”
While talking about the significance of his performance on the day, he said, “The final is a big game for anybody, let it be me or anyone. It is a big game. You have to be confident. And there is pressure; you have to enjoy that pressure. Performing in the final is a big thing and it makes you feel proud if you win the game.”
Discussing his bowling further, he added, “I am a seam bowler, so my strength is to hit the seam consistently. If there is a bit of grass, it helps me.”
The pacer had returned with a four-for in the first innings the last time the two teams faced each other in the final in 2012-13 to put his team in a commanding position. Asked if his four-for today reminded him of the first day of the previous final, he said, “I did not have that in my mind. This was a new game and they've been doing well this season. So, there was nothing like that in my mind. I just wanted to go express myself.”
Speaking about his role, he explained, “There was always responsibility on my shoulders since I started playing for Mumbai. I was never at ease when I had to bowl for Mumbai. The responsibilities that you have, it makes you feel really proud. Being the senior-most bowler in this team, I really enjoy my role.”
Asked what would be a par-total on this track, Kulkarni remarked, “Can't say, because it's a good batting track now. The first session is going to be crucial on all five days.”
