IPL 2016: 5 surprise performers so far in this season

Dhawal Kulkarni

Dhawal Kulkarni has been effective with the new ball for the Gujarat Lions

Kulkarni rose to prominence with eye-catching performances in the first IPL, taking 11 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 21. Under the tutelage of Shaun Pollock, Kulkarni became a vital cog in the Mumbai line-up, both in the IPL and in the domestic circuit.

Playing for Gujarat Lions, one of the two new teams of the season, Kulkarni has been proficient with the new ball, taking seven wickets from just six matches, including an opening spell of 3-19 against the Daredevils where he snared the top three batsmen.

In the absence of Dale Steyn, Kulkarni has had a bigger role to play, especially since his new-ball partner, Praveen Kumar, has been pale and ineffective this season.