Veteran Cricketer Krishnappa Gowtham Bids Farewell To Cricket

Krishnappa Gowtham, regarded as one of Karnataka’s finest all-rounders, has called time on his cricketing journey, retiring from all formats after a 14-year stint in Indian domestic cricket. Renowned for his explosive lower-order batting and reliable off-spin bowling, Gowtham bows out with an impressive career that included appearances in the Ranji Trophy, the IPL, and a short spell at the international level.

He made his first-class debut for Karnataka in the 2012 Ranji Trophy against Uttar Pradesh and announced himself straight away by claiming the prized wickets of Suresh Raina and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. His hard-hitting approach with the bat and ability to strike at crucial moments with the ball soon earned him a regular spot in Karnataka’s formidable lineup.

Gowtham’s breakthrough came in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy, where he collected 27 wickets in eight matches, firmly establishing his credentials as a quality all-rounder. He further enhanced his reputation the next season by registering his maiden first-class hundred against Assam in Mysuru, showcasing his match-winning potential with both disciplines.

Over the course of his domestic career, Gowtham claimed over 320 wickets across 59 first-class and 68 List A games, while also chipping in with valuable lower-order runs. He continued to be a key presence in Karnataka cricket until 2023, and even after losing his place in the state setup, his influence on the domestic scene remained noteworthy.

His sustained performances led to several India A selections, featuring in series against New Zealand A, West Indies A, Australia A and the England Lions. In 2021, following his stint as part of India’s net bowling contingent, Gowtham earned a call-up to the senior national squad for the tour of Sri Lanka, where he made his only international appearance, playing a T20I in Colombo and picking up a wicket.

₹9.25 Crore CSK Deal Headlines Krishnappa Gowtham’s IPL Journey

In the IPL, Gowtham turned out for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. He frequently drew headlines at the auction table, with the high point coming in 2021 when Chennai Super Kings secured his services for ₹9.25 crore, the biggest deal of his career. Across nine IPL seasons, he amassed earnings of over ₹35 crore and produced several match-defining contributions.

One of the standout highlights of his T20 journey unfolded in the 2019 Karnataka Premier League. Representing the Bellary Tuskers, Gowtham blasted a breathtaking 134 off just 56 deliveries, hammering 13 sixes and bringing up his hundred in only 39 balls. He went on to deliver a sensational spell with the ball, giving away just 15 runs while claiming eight wickets in four overs, an all-time great performance in Indian T20 cricket.