Former Karnataka offspinner Krishnappa Gowtham has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing the curtain down on a professional career that spanned nearly 14 years. The 37-year-old made the announcement on Monday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during a press conference organised by the newly appointed Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) administration, led by former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad.
Gowtham bows out as one of Karnataka’s most dependable domestic performers of the past decade. Across formats, he finished with 394 wickets and 2,783 runs for the state, including a century and five half-centuries in the Ranji Trophy. His standout season came in 2018–19, when he played a pivotal role in Karnataka’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph, a crowning achievement in his career.
His international opportunity arrived in unusual circumstances. During India’s 2021 tour of Sri Lanka, Gowtham was initially selected as a net bowler but earned a surprise ODI debut after a Covid-19 outbreak ravaged the squad. In his lone international appearance, he returned figures of 1 for 49.
Fondly nicknamed “Bhajji” because of the resemblance of his bowling action to Harbhajan Singh during his early years, Gowtham also enjoyed a stint in the IPL. His most notable phase came with Rajasthan Royals, where the late Shane Warne famously described him as his “IPL project” in 2018. Over the course of his IPL career, Gowtham represented five franchises — Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings — playing 36 matches and claiming 21 wickets at an economy rate of 8.24.
Gowtham last appeared in a competitive match for Karnataka in December 2023, amid a broader transition phase that saw several senior players moved on. He briefly resisted switching states and continued to push for white-ball opportunities by featuring in the Maharaja T20 League. However, once it became clear that selectors were firmly looking ahead to the next generation, he decided to step away from playing.
Even in retirement, Gowtham remains closely tied to the game. He continues to play an influential role behind the scenes with the Mysuru Warriors, serving as a mentor-player during the 2025 season, and has also established himself as a regular voice in vernacular cricket commentary over the past two years.
His retirement marks the end of a steady, hardworking domestic career — one built on persistence, adaptability and valuable contributions to Karnataka cricket.
