Gone are the days when retirement for cricketers meant solely venturing into business or broadcasting. Legends League Cricket (LLC) has redefined this phase, bringing together notable former cricketers under one umbrella. The league has become a space where retired players can continue their involvement with the sport they love. Dhawal Kulkarni, a former India player now representing India Capitals in LLC, spoke about how this T20 league has shifted the dynamics of post-retirement life for cricketers.
Kulkarni, 35, last represented India in an ODI against New Zealand in October 2016. Known for his contributions to Mumbai’s domestic cricket scene, he achieved a significant milestone by leading Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title in 2024 before retiring from first-class cricket. His transition to LLC marks a continuation of his cricketing journey, allowing him to stay on the field even after stepping away from the professional circuit.
Reflecting on LLC’s role, Kulkarni emphasized how the league provides a new avenue for retired players. He believes it serves as a vital platform for former cricketers to continue playing and maintain their connection to the game. This opportunity, he noted, was only sometimes available in the past, where coaching or commentary were often the only options after retirement.
“Legends League Cricket is an ideal platform for retired cricketers who want to keep playing and stay engaged with the sport. Previously, former players were mostly confined to coaching or commentating after hanging up their boots,” Kulkarni shared in an interview with Pune News.
It takes time for your body to get used to Kulkarni.
It takes time for your body to adapt,” shared Kulkarni as he reflected on the physical demands of returning to competitive cricket. The veteran pacer had an illustrious first-class career playing for Mumbai, where he featured in 96 matches, taking 285 wickets. His success extended beyond first-class cricket, with 223 wickets in List A games and 154 in 160 T20 matches. As part of Legends League Cricket (LLC), Kulkarni acknowledged the crucial role of physios and coaches in managing the players’ workload during the tight tournament schedule.
After a long break due to Mumbai’s monsoon season, Kulkarni found it particularly challenging to return to the field. He noted that the months of inactivity made it harder to regain his form. However, the pre-tournament training camp in Jodhpur helped the players prepare for the rigors of LLC. “It’s very tough to play after 4-5 months, especially with the rain in Mumbai, but the training in Jodhpur before the tournament was essential. The coaches and physios did a fantastic job managing our workload,” he said.
Kulkarni elaborated on the difficulties of adjusting to the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket after such a break. “It takes time for your body to get used to playing again, and in T20s, we don’t get much time to adjust,” he added, emphasizing how quickly the format demands players to be at their best despite the limited preparation time.
Throughout his international career, Kulkarni represented India in 12 ODIs and two T20Is, taking 22 wickets. Though his national team appearances were limited, his contributions to Indian cricket, both domestically and internationally, have been significant. On the domestic front, Kulkarni was a stalwart for Mumbai, consistently delivering impactful performances in first-class cricket. His sharp bowling, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, helped Mumbai secure numerous victories, making him a reliable figure in India’s domestic circuit. Moreover, his experience and knowledge of the game have made him a valuable mentor for emerging bowlers, ensuring his influence extends well beyond his playing days.
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