Krishnappa Gowtham, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing an end to a 15-year professional career. The 37-year-old made the announcement on Monday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, during a press conference organized by the Karnataka State Cricket Association.
Gowtham was known for his all-round skills and contributions to Karnataka cricket. He was celebrated for his unwavering commitment and the ability to carry the team. Gowtham's career was marked by hard work and an unshakeable belief in himself.
Gowtham represented five franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. In 2021, Chennai Super Kings acquired him for a notable INR 9.25 crore, making him the highest-paid uncapped Indian player at the time. He played 36 IPL matches, securing 21 wickets with an economy rate of 8.24.
A significant moment in Gowtham's career occurred during the 2019-20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final against Tamil Nadu, where he successfully defended 13 runs in the final over, securing a one-run victory for his team.
Gowtham made his first-class debut in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh and became a key player in Karnataka's red-ball success. Throughout his domestic career, he accumulated 394 wickets and scored 2,783 runs. His record in Ranji Trophy included a century and five half-centuries. Gowtham also played 68 List A games and 92 T20s.
His international opportunity came in 2021 on the Sri Lanka tour after several senior players were sidelined. Gowtham played one ODI, taking 1/49.
During his early days, Gowtham was nicknamed "Bhajji" due to similarities with Harbhajan Singh's bowling action. He had a memorable stint with Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, where the late Shane Warne supported him.
KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad, secretary Santosh Menon, and vice-president Sujith Somasundar honored Gowtham at the farewell event, celebrating his contributions to Karnataka cricket. Gowtham last played for Karnataka in December 2023.
