Fearless all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham bids farewell to cricket after 14-year journey

India and Karnataka star all-rounder K. Gowtham, known for his aggressive batting and impactful off-spin, has announced his retirement after a distinguished domestic, IPL, and brief international career.

Krishnappa Gowtham, one of Karnataka’s most recognised all-rounders and a former Team India player, has officially announced his retirement from cricket, bringing the curtains down on a 14-year-long professional career.

Gowtham represented India (ODIs and T20Is), India A, Karnataka, and multiple Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. Known for his fearless and aggressive style, he made a strong impression as both a power-hitter and a skilful off-spinner.

He made his Ranji Trophy debut on November 17, 2012, against Uttar Pradesh. In his very first match, Gowtham caught attention by dismissing star players like Suresh Raina and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, announcing his arrival on the domestic stage.

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The 2016-17 Ranji season proved to be a major turning point, with Gowtham picking up 27 wickets in just eight matches. A season later, during the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy, he scored his maiden first-class century against Assam in Mysuru, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder.

Gowtham continued to deliver consistently in domestic cricket until 2023, after which he did not find a place in the Karnataka team. Across 59 first-class and 68 List A matches, he claimed over 320 wickets, along with valuable runs lower down the order.

His all-round performances earned him a place in the India A squad, where he featured against New Zealand A, West Indies A, Australia A, and England Lions, producing standout performances with both bat and ball.

In 2021, Gowtham first served as a net bowler for Team India, before being selected for the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka later that year. He played one T20I in Colombo, picking up one wicket. However, following that series, he did not get another opportunity at the international level.

Gowtham was also a highly sought-after IPL player, representing Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants. His IPL journey saw major auction highlights, bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹2 crore in 2017, Rajasthan Royals for ₹6.20 crore in 2018, retained in 2019, traded to Punjab Kings in 2020, and then creating history in IPL 2021 when Chennai Super Kings bought him for ₹9.25 crore, the highest price of his career. Over nine IPL seasons, Gowtham earned more than ₹35 crore.

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In the Karnataka Premier League (KPL), Gowtham produced one of the most memorable performances in Indian T20 history. Playing for Bellary Tuskers in 2019, he smashed a 39-ball century and finished with 134 runs off just 56 balls, including 13 sixes. Remarkably, 106 of those runs came through boundaries. In the same match, he also delivered a sensational bowling spell, conceding just 15 runs and taking 8 wickets in four overs.

Widely regarded as a highly skilled and mentally tough cricketer, Gowtham was admired for responding to criticism with performance rather than words. Whether with bat or ball, he consistently delivered under pressure.

With his decision to step away from the game, Gowtham now prepares for his second innings beyond cricket. His achievements and records remain etched in Karnataka and Indian domestic cricket history.

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