Karnataka All-Rounder Krishnappa Gowtham Announces Retirement from All Formats, Makes Sacrifice for Young Talent

Karnataka’s seasoned all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham, who represented India in a solitary One Day International (ODI), has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket on 22 December 2025. Gowtham made his lone international appearance against Sri Lanka in 2021 and enjoyed a prolific career in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Domestic Career Highlights:
An off-spinner known for his explosive lower-order batting, Gowtham played 59 first-class, 68 List A, and 92 T20 matches for Karnataka. He claimed 224 wickets in first-class, 96 in List A, and 74 in T20 cricket. With the bat, he scored 1,419 runs in first-class cricket including 1 century and 5 fifties, 630 runs in List A with a fifty, and 734 runs in T20s at a strike rate of 158.18, including 2 fifties.

IPL Journey:
Gowtham made his IPL debut with Rajasthan Royals in 2018 and went on to play 36 matches, taking 21 wickets and scoring 247 runs at a strike rate of 166.9 until 2024. Besides Rajasthan Royals, he also featured for Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, and Punjab Kings. Notably, CSK bought him for a whopping ₹9.25 crore in 2021, reflecting his high demand in the league.

Retirement Statement:
While announcing his retirement, Gowtham said,
“I have made several comebacks and returned from the brink of despair multiple times. If I continue to take a spot in the Karnataka team, it would be unfair to the young players who represent the future of the team. I had the option to play for another state, but I never seriously considered it.”

At 37 years old, Gowtham has chosen to step aside, prioritizing the development of emerging talents and leaving a legacy of dedication, resilience, and professionalism.

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