Dhawal Kulkarni recalls his last trip to New Zealand

Updated on: 02 March,2009 08:09 AM IST |
Amol Karhadkar |

More than two years ago, it was in New Zealand that Dhawal Kulkarni donned the national colours for the first time when he appeared for India Under-19 in a Youth Test against New Zealand Under-19

Dhawal Kulkarni recalls his last trip to New Zealand<br/>

More than two years ago, it was in New Zealand that Dhawal Kulkarni donned the national colours for the first time when he appeared for India Under-19 in a Youth Test against New Zealand Under-19 in Dunedin in January 2007.

And yesterday evening Kulkarni's face lit up with the mention of his Youth Test debut.

The 20-year-old was busy trying to fit the India apparels in his baggage for his maiden international tour with the senior national team and receiving calls from his well-wishers and the media before leaving for the Test series in Kiwiland.

In that Youth Test, Kulkarni, Ranji Trophy's most successful pace bowler this season, was brought on as the first-change bowler. Guess who was one of the new ball bowlers in that match? Ishant Sharma.

And if the Chunabhatti lad gets a place in the playing XI during the coming series, he will be the third seamer along with Zaheer Khan and Ishant.

Kulkarni was obviously excited with the opportunity of teaming up with the Delhi pace sensation in a Test.

"It was fun to bowl in tandem with Ishant two years ago," Kulkarni told MiD DAY. "If I get an opportunity, I would be looking forward to bowl with him again."

Kulkarni, who rocked the domestic circuit in his debut first-class season, was prepared to take the tour as a learning lesson.

"If I get an opportunity, there will be no doubt that I will give my 100 per cent, just like I have been doing all along so far," he said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels