Krishnappa Gowtham announces retirement from competitive cricket

Krishnappa Gowtham has announced his retirement from competitive cricket. The 37-year-old off-spinning all-rounder from Karnataka, who played one ODI for India, has ended a 14-year career in which he took 395 wickets across formats and scored 2,785 runs.

Gowtham made the announcement at a press conference at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, attended by his family, KSCA officials, and the media.

In a statement, Gowtham said: "I have decided to retire from first-class and international cricket. It has been a matter of immense pride and joy to represent my country and Karnataka. I have been a man of comebacks, but had I worked my way back into the Karnataka team, it would have been unfair to the youngsters, who are the future of the game.

"While I had the option of moving to another state, I never seriously considered it. I began my journey as a proud Karnataka player, and that is how I wish to be remembered. It felt only fitting that I called time on this chapter at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where my dreams took shape.

"I would like to acknowledge the pivotal role played by the BCCI and the Karnataka State Cricket Association. I have also been fortunate to represent five IPL franchises – Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants.

"I am deeply thankful to the coaches, selectors, teammates, and captains. I am also grateful to my family and look forward to giving back to the game."

Career Highlights

First-Class (Ranji Trophy):

• Debut: November 17, 2012, vs Uttar Pradesh
• Matches: 59
• Wickets: 224 (avg 27.24)
• Runs: 1,419
• Last match: February 2023 vs Saurashtra

List A:

• Matches: 68
• Wickets: 96 (avg 29.64)
• Runs: 630
• Last match: December 2023 vs Rajasthan

T20:

• Matches: 92
• Wickets: 74
• Runs: 734

Indian Premier League:

• Matches: 36
• Runs: 247 (SR 166.90)
• Wickets: 21
• Teams: Mumbai Indians (2017), Rajasthan Royals (2018-19), Punjab Kings (2020), Chennai Super Kings (2021), Lucknow Super Giants (2022-24)
• Notable: CSK bought him for INR 9.25 crore in the 2021 auction, then a record for an uncapped Indian.
• Last IPL/T20 match: May 2024 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (for LSG)

International:

• ODI: 1 match (vs Sri Lanka, Colombo, July 2021), figures: 1/49

Memorable Performance:

• In the 2019 Karnataka Premier League for Bellary Tuskers, he scored a 56-ball 134 (including a 39-ball century) and took 8 for 15 in the same match.