Four-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians have traded in local-lad Dhawal Kulkarni ahead of the IPL auction and the upcoming season. After the inclusion of Kiwi seamer Trent Boult, Kulkarni’s addition enables an additional seamer option to the defending champions’ enviable bowling attack.

It will be a homecoming of sorts for Dhawal Kulkarni who returns to the squad after spending the first six years of IPL with the club. Dhawal later went on to play for Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Lions and returned to RR in 2018.

On Dhawal’s return, Akash Ambani, Owner, Mumbai Indians said, “Dhawal is a creative swing bowler who relishes the new ball and is an asset for any team. We are glad to secure his signature and bring him back to the Mumbai Indians fold. He comes home richer with an experience of 90 IPL matches, adding to our bowling armoury.”

Dhawal Kulkarni is the third successful trade completed by Mumbai Indians. Earlier the defending champions had roped in West Indian batsman Sherfane Rutherford and Trent Boult.