Krishnappa Gowtham Retires from Cricket After 14-Year Career
Krishnappa Gowtham Announces Retirement
New Delhi, December 22: 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. The 37-year-old made this announcement during a press conference held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, organized by the newly elected administration of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), led by former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad.
Gowtham leaves behind a legacy as one of Karnataka's most dependable players across various formats, having achieved 394 wickets and amassed 2,783 runs in domestic competitions. His Ranji Trophy achievements include a century and five half-centuries, showcasing his prowess as a true all-rounder for the state. A highlight of his career was during the 2018-19 season when he played a pivotal role in Karnataka's triumph in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
His chance to represent India came in 2021 under unexpected circumstances. Initially brought in as a net bowler, Gowtham made his international 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.
Known as 'Bhajji' due to his bowling action resembling that of Harbhajan Singh in his early days, Gowtham also had a brief yet impactful career in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His time with the Rajasthan Royals in 2018 was particularly memorable, as the late Shane Warne endorsed him, calling him his IPL project.
Throughout his IPL journey, Gowtham played for 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.
Gowtham's last competitive appearance for Karnataka was in December 2023. Although he considered switching states, he continued to play in the Maharaja T20 League to maintain his presence in white-ball cricket. However, with selectors leaning towards younger talent, he ultimately chose to retire from the sport.
Post-retirement, Gowtham remains actively involved in cricket. He has taken on a mentoring role with the Mysuru Warriors, contributing 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 an impact in the cricketing world off the field.