Krishnappa Gowtham Retires from Cricket After 14-Year Career

Krishnappa Gowtham, the former Karnataka all-rounder, has announced his retirement from cricket after a remarkable 14-year career. Known for his contributions to domestic cricket and a brief international stint, Gowtham leaves behind a legacy of 394 wickets and 2,783 runs. His journey included a notable role in Karnataka's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory and a memorable IPL career with five franchises. Post-retirement, he plans to mentor young players and continue his involvement in cricket commentary. Discover more about his career highlights and future endeavors.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 20:20 IST

Retirement Announcement

Krishnappa Gowtham, the former all-rounder from Karnataka, has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, concluding a professional journey that lasted nearly 14 years.

Press Conference Details

The 37-year-old made this announcement on Monday at a press conference held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, organized by the newly elected Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) administration, led by former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad.

Domestic Career Achievements

Gowtham exits the scene as one of Karnataka's most dependable players across all formats, having taken 394 wickets and amassed 2,783 runs in domestic competitions. His Ranji Trophy statistics include a century and five half-centuries, showcasing his prowess as a true all-rounder for the state.

A highlight of his career occurred during the 2018-19 season when he played a pivotal role in Karnataka's victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

International Experience

Gowtham's international debut came in 2021 under unexpected circumstances. Initially selected as a net bowler, he made his India debut during the Sri Lanka tour after several senior players were unavailable due to Covid-19. He played one ODI, where he recorded figures of 1/49.

IPL Career Overview

Known as 'Bhajji' due to his resemblance to Harbhajan Singh's bowling style in his early days, Gowtham had a brief yet impactful career in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His time with the Rajasthan Royals in 2018 was particularly notable, as the late Shane Warne supported him, calling him his IPL project.

Throughout his IPL journey, Gowtham represented five franchises: Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, and Chennai Super Kings. He participated in 36 matches, taking 21 wickets with an economy rate of 8.24.

Transition to Retirement

Gowtham last played for Karnataka in a competitive match in December 2023. Although he considered switching states, he continued to participate in the Maharaja T20 League to maintain his presence in white-ball cricket. Ultimately, with selectors favoring younger talent, he chose to retire from the sport.

Post-Retirement Involvement

Following his retirement, Gowtham remains actively involved in cricket. He has taken on a mentoring role with the Mysuru Warriors, serving as both a mentor and player for the 2025 season. Additionally, he has become a well-known voice in vernacular cricket commentary over the past few years, continuing to make contributions to the sport off the field.