Mumbai Indians news: MI acquire Dhawal Kulkarni from Rajasthan Royals; release Evin Lewis for IPL 2020

MI acquire Dhawal Kulkarni from Rajasthan Royals: The defending champions have another pace-bowling option to their squad.

Defending champions of the Indian Premier League Mumbai Indians have added another pace-bowling option to their squad. It is worth mentioning that Indians had announced the acquisition of New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult from Delhi Capitals.

MI making such proactive changes despite winning the IPL 2019 speaks highly about their constant effort to improve their squad for the forth coming season. With the last day of the trading window of the IPL 2020 auction upon us, Mumbai have added an experienced name to their squad.

Talking of Mumbai Indians and the changes to their squad this year, they were the first to register a trade deal for after IPL 2019. The defending champions had swapped spinner Mayank Markande with Delhi Capitals all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford.

MI acquire Dhawal Kulkarni from Rajasthan Royals

Pacer Dhawal Kulkarni, who made his T20 debut for Mumbai back in 2007, will play for his home franchise in IPL 2020. Having played for MI during 2008-2013, Kulkarni has had a long association with the franchise in the past.

In the 10 matches that Kulkarni had played in IPL 2019, he dismissed six batsmen at an average of 55.83, an economy rate of 9.83 and a strike rate of 35.

In the 33 matches that Kulkarni has played for Indians, he has dismissed 36 batsmen across six seasons. Overall in the IPL, Kulkarni dismissed 90 batsmen at an average of 27.95, an economy rate of 8.26 and a strike rate of 20.29.

With 12 overseas players in the squad at this point in time, Indians will have to release as many as four of them. If reports in ESPNcricinfo are to be believed, MI have already released opening batsman Evin Lewis and are likely to name the other three by tonight.