08 June,2016 08:38 AM IST | | Subodh Mayure
Mumbai fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni laps up Mahendra Singh Dhoni's confidence in young bowling attack for limited overs tour to Zimbabwe
Indian pacer Dhawal Kulkarni celebrates the wicket of Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal during the third ODI in Mirpur last year.
India and Mumbai pacer Dhawal Kulkarni is determined to cash in on his good form shown during the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and justify India's limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's faith in his young bowling pack for the forthcoming series in Zimbabwe.
Indian pacer Dhawal Kulkarni celebrates the wicket of Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal during the third ODI in Mirpur last year. Pics/AFP
India are scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Harare between June 11 and 22 Kulkarni's 18 wickets in 14 matches for Gujarat Lions made him the fourth highest wicket-taker of IPL-9.
"The bowling looks good on paper. From whatever I have seen, they are a much improved lot," Dhoni told reporters on the eve of his departure to Zimbabwe yesterday. However, he missed out on Kulkarni while mentioning Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal and Jayant Yadav.
"I am very happy that those comments (on the bowling attack being promising) have come from the captain. It is really inspiring and this will give us confidence especially since he is such an experienced and world-class player," said 27-year-old Kulkarni.
'I have always taken responsibility'
The Mumbai speedster underlined the importance of taking responsibility. "I have always taken responsibility while playing for Mumbai. Responsibility gets the best out of you," he said.
Kulkarni spoke about his stock delivery, one which has the right line and length. "Wherever you go, wherever you play, you have to stick to your basics. You have to back your stock ball and my stock ball is to hit the right line and length.
"That's what I kept doing with the new ball. A lot of practice has gone into my IPL success," said Kulkarni, who has claimed 13 wickets in eight ODIs.
"I have been consistent throughout the season. The hard work I put in before the IPL paid off and I'm looking forward to the Zimbabwe tour," he concluded.
