Krishnappa Gowtham announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Krishnappa Gowtham, former India all-rounder, has retired from all formats of cricket at 37. He played one ODI for India, featured in 36 IPL matches, and delivered a memorable all-round performance in the 2019 Karnataka Premier League

New Delhi: Former India all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. The 37-year-old shared the news at a press conference held at the KSCA Media Lounge, attended by Karnataka State Cricket Association president Venkatesh Prasad, vice-president Sujith Somasundar, and secretary Santosh Menon.

Gowtham featured once for India at the international level, making his lone ODI appearance against Sri Lanka on July 23, 2021, where he dismissed wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka for his only international wicket.

---

He rose to prominence in the Indian Premier League when he became the most expensive uncapped Indian player at the IPL 2021 auction, after being picked by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 9.25 crore. That record later changed hands, first with Avesh Khan and more recently with Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer at the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Across his IPL career, Gowtham represented Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. His final appearance came in May 2024 for Lucknow against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

In 36 IPL matches, the spin-bowling all-rounder scored 247 runs at a strike rate of 166.90 and took 21 wickets at an economy rate of 8.24. In domestic cricket, he finished with 737 runs and 116 wickets from 32 first-class games. In List A cricket, he scored 400 runs and claimed 51 wickets in 32 matches, while his T20 career saw him amass 454 runs and take 32 wickets across 49 appearances.

One of the defining moments of Gowtham’s career came during the 2019 Karnataka Premier League, when playing for Bellary Tuskers. He smashed 134 off just 56 deliveries — including a 39-ball hundred — and followed it up with sensational bowling figures of 8 for 15 in the same match.

Gowtham also represented India A on multiple occasions and came close to earning further international caps. Known for his resilience and competitiveness, he leaves behind a reputation as a cricketer who consistently punched above his weight against elite opposition.