Name Hindi: राजू कुलकर्णी / Gender Man
Raju Kulkarni
Raju Kulkarni is a former Indian cricketer who competed at the international level during his sporting career. Born as Ravindra Shripad Kulkarni in Bombay (now Mumbai), he took to cricket at an early age and managed to break into the national team after standout performances for his state side.
Career Summary
Raju was mainly used as a right-arm medium-pace bowler by the selectors thanks to his ability to generate movement off of the surface while maintaining control. His first-class career spanned from 1981 to 1992, largely playing for Bombay. He also represented West Zone during this period.
- Test Debut: Made his test debut on December 17th, 1986 against Australia.
- Last Test: Played his last test on January 28th, 1987 against Pakistan.
- ODI Debut: Made his ODI debut on March 20th, 1987 against Australia
- Last ODI: Played his last ODI on October 31st, 1988 against West Indies.
- Total Matches: Played three tests and ten ODIs for India during his international tenure. In total, he played plenty more matches across different leagues and tournaments at home in India.
Career As A Bowler – Statistics Wish-list
Kulkarni picked up five wickets each in Tests and ODIs, ending with identical averages of just over forty runs per wicket. While his international statistics might not scream ‘spectacular’, his consistency in the domestic cricket circuit was quite impressive – an aspect that helped him maintain a presence in the Bombay side for over a decade.
- Test Bowling: Kulkarni picked up five wickets in three test matches with best bowling figures of 3/85.
- ODI Bowling: In ODI’s, he had ten scalps to his name from ten games and turned heads with best figures of 4-30 against Zimbabwe.
Post Cricket Career
Raju Kulkarni retired from professional cricket around the early ’90s but stayed involved with the sport. Over time, he’s contributed significantly as a coach, selector, administrator and even commentator also staying actively involving himself into Mumbai Cricket Association’s development programmes and has been part of talent scouts relentlessly promoting young talents mutually benefiting Indian cricket growth story.
If there is anything we can learn from Raju Kulkarni’s career, it is about creating vital contributions within our capabilities which make differences across every walks of life.
Remember the game might end but spirit of the sports never does! Always take your valuable learnings you imbibe during your play along everywhere post retirals!
