Indian domestic cricket star bids farewell to one of its most recognisable all-rounders as Krishnappa Gowtham officially announced his retirement, bringing an end to a professional career that spanned 14 years. A key figure for Karnataka, a former India international, and a proven match-winner in the IPL, Gowtham leaves the game with a reputation for fearlessness, mental toughness, and unforgettable performances.
🚨 RETIREMENT 🚨
Karnataka's K Gowtham has announced his retirement from cricket pic.twitter.com/BgWPtxwf7Q---Advertisement---— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 22, 2025
Gowtham’s Ranji Trophy Journey
Gowtham’s journey began on the Ranji Trophy stage on November 17, 2012, against Uttar Pradesh. It didn’t take long for him to make an impression. In his debut match itself, he dismissed established names like Suresh Raina and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, signalling that Karnataka had unearthed a cricketer ready to compete at the highest domestic level.
The real turning point of his career came during the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season. Bowling with control and aggression, Gowtham picked up 27 wickets in just eight matches, cementing his status as a frontline all-rounder. A season later, he showcased his batting credentials as well, scoring his maiden first-class century against Assam in Mysuru during the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy. It was a defining knock that underlined his value as more than just a bowling all-rounder.
Over the years, Gowtham remained a consistent performer in domestic cricket. Until 2023, he continued to contribute for Karnataka, before eventually falling out of the state team’s plans. His overall record speaks volumes – 59 first-class and 68 List A matches, more than 320 wickets, and crucial lower-order runs that often changed the course of games.
India A Journey
His domestic success opened doors to the India A setup, where he represented the country against strong opposition such as New Zealand A, West Indies A, Australia A, and England Lions. Whether in seaming or spinning conditions, Gowtham produced impactful performances with both bat and ball, further strengthening his case as a dependable all-rounder.
Internationally, opportunities were limited but memorable. In 2021, he first joined Team India as a net bowler before earning selection for the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka. He featured in one T20I in Colombo, where he picked up a wicket. Though that proved to be his only international appearance, it marked the fulfilment of a long-held dream of wearing India colours.
IPL Career
The Indian Premier League, however, became one of the biggest stages of Gowtham’s career. Over nine seasons, he represented multiple franchises Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants. His IPL journey was marked by headline-making auctions – Rs 2 crore with Mumbai Indians in 2017, Rs 6.20 crore with Rajasthan Royals in 2018 (followed by retention in 2019), a move to Punjab Kings in 2020, and then a career-high Rs 9.25 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021. In total, he earned over Rs 35 crore from the league, reflecting the premium placed on his all-round abilities.
One performance, though, will forever define his reputation as a T20 phenomenon. In the 2019 Karnataka Premier League, playing for Bellary Tuskers, Gowtham delivered one of the most astonishing all-round displays in Indian T20 history. He smashed a breathtaking 134 off just 56 balls, including a 39-ball century and 13 sixes, 106 of his runs coming purely in boundaries. As if that wasn’t enough, he followed it up with a sensational bowling spell of 8 wickets for just 15 runs in four overs. It was a match that captured everything Gowtham stood for: audacity, skill, and match-winning impact.
Throughout his career, Gowtham was known not just for his aggressive batting and effective off-spin, but also for his mindset. He rarely responded to criticism with words, preferring instead to let his performances do the talking. Time and again, he proved his ability to deliver under pressure, making him a valued presence in dressing rooms across teams.
