Krishnappa Gowtham announces retirement from competitive cricket

Krishnappa Gowtham has announced his retirement from competitive cricket. The 37-year old off-spinning allounder from Karnataka, who has also played an ODI for India, pulled the curtains down on a 14-year career in which he picked up 395 wickets across formats, along with 2,785 runs.

Gowtham made the announcement in the presence of his family, KSCA officials - including newly elected president Venkatesh Prasad, secretary Santosh Menon and vice-president Sujith Somasundar - and the media in a press conference arranged at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru on Monday (December 22).

"I would like to let you know that I have decided to retire from first-class and international cricket. It has been a matter of immense pride and joy to represent my country and Karnataka. I have been a man of comebacks, returning from the brink on more than one occasion, and I could have done so again. However, had I worked my way back into the Karnataka team, it would have been unfair to the youngsters, who are the future of the game," said Gowtham as he read out a statement.

"While I had the option of moving to another state, I never seriously considered it. I began my journey as a proud Karnataka player, and that is how I wish to be remembered. Playing for another state barely crossed my mind - and certainly never my heart. It felt only fitting that I called time on this crucial chapter of my journey at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. It was here that my dreams took shape. I first entered these hallowed premises as a spectator, then as a ball boy, dreaming of one day playing on the centre wicket. I was fortunate to realise that dream and to win matches for the various teams I had the privilege of representing.

"I would like to acknowledge the pivotal role played by the BCCI and the Karnataka State Cricket Association. It has been a true honour to win trophies in Karnataka's colours. I am deeply grateful to the association for the opportunities it provided me. I have also been fortunate to represent five IPL franchises - Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. I will always cherish my time with each of these teams and the people who made those journeys memorable.

"I am deeply thankful to the coaches who guided and encouraged me, the selectors who placed their trust in me, and the teammates who gave their all alongside me. To my captains who entrusted me with responsibility, I remain sincerely grateful," said Gowtham, who also thanked his family and ended his statement by mentioning that he is looking forward to giving back to the game.

Gowtham made his Ranji Trophy debut on November 17, 2012, against Uttar Pradesh. After a four-year hiatus, he returned to the Karnataka team and delivered consistent performances. He finished with 224 first class wickets at an average of 27.24, along with 1419 runs in the 59 matches he played in the format, with his last appearance coming against Saurashtra in February 2023. He also picked up 96 List A wickets at 29.64 in 68 matches and scored 630 runs, with his last 50-over appearance against Rajasthan in December 2023.

Gowtham featured in 92 T20 matches, bagging 74 wickets and scoring 734 runs. He grabbed headlines at the 2021 auction when Chennai Super Kings secured him for INR 9.25 crore, then a record for an uncapped Indian. He was part of Mumbai Indians in 2017, went to Rajasthan Royals in 2018, retained by the team in 2019, and was traded to Punjab Kings in 2020. His last IPL stint was with Lucknow Super Giants, with his final IPL outing, and also his last T20 game, coming in May 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 36 IPL matches, he scored 247 runs at a strike rate of 166.90 and took 21 wickets.

Away from the IPL spotlight, his most memorable performance came in the 2019 Karnataka Premier League for Bellary Tuskers, where he produced a remarkable all-round effort - a 56-ball 134 that included a 39-ball century, followed by stunning bowling figures of 8 for 15 in the same match. His only ODI for India came in 2021, against Sri Lanka in Colombo in July, a game in which he finished with 1/49.