Dhawal Kulkarni who enjoyed a fairytale ending to his first-class career was touched by Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane's gesture of handing him the ball in the Ranji Trophy final to finish off the game instead of Tushar Deshpande. Kulkarni breached Umesh Yadav's defence and shattered the leg stump to end Mumbai's eight-year wait of lifting the Ranji Trophy title.
Overall, Kulkarni had a memorable final as he claimed three wickets in the first innings while giving away just 15 runs in his 11 overs spell. In the second innings, the 35-year-old leaked runs but eventually bagged his first with Umesh losing his wicket to the experienced pacer.
Earlier on the final day, Mumbai were left frustrated after Vidarbha skipper Akshay Wadkar and Harsh Dubey fought valiantly to ensure that they didn't lose a single wicket in the first session while chasing 537.
However, after Wadkar's (102) dismissal, Vidarbha lost their remaining wickets in a span of five overs following a clinical bowling spell from Mumbai.
Mumbai ended their eight-year wait to get their hands on the Ranji Trophy title with a 169-run win.