Karnataka’s Krishnappa Gowtham on Monday announced his retirement from competitive cricket at the age of 37.
Gowtham, who made his debut for Karnataka in the 2011–12 season, ended his 14-year cricketing career with 395 wickets across formats and 2,785 runs to his name.
The Bengaluru-based cricketer made the announcement at a press conference at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday, December 22, in the presence of his family, officials from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and members of the media.
Speaking at the press conference, Gowtham read out a heartfelt statement, saying, “I would like to let you know that 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, returning from the brink on more than one occasion, and I could have done so again. However, 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.”
The off-spin bowling all-rounder also revealed that he never considered playing for another state despite receiving offers. “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. Playing for another state barely crossed my mind — and certainly never my heart. It felt only fitting that I called time on this crucial chapter of my journey at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. It was here that my dreams took shape,” he added.
After years of hard work in domestic cricket, Gowtham’s dream moment came in June 2021 when he was named in India’s ODI and T20I squads for the series against Sri Lanka. On 23 July 2021, he played his first and only international match for India against Sri Lanka, in which he claimed the wicket of Minod Bhanuka.
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