By BD Narayankar
Bengaluru, Dec 22 (.) Krishnappa Gowtham, Karnataka allrounder and former India player, retired from first-class cricket on Monday, leaving behind a career that epitomised the grind and perseverance required in India’s domestic circuit.
Reflecting on his journey, Gowtham said, “Domestic cricket doesn’t just teach cricket; it teaches life,” highlighting the lessons learned away from the international spotlight.
Gowtham described domestic cricket as the backbone of Indian cricket, where players endure long hours on unresponsive pitches, repeated practice sessions, and the relentless pressure to perform every week.
“One of the most memorable moments of my career was a Ranji Trophy match in Tamil Nadu, where I took eight wickets in a single session. Performances like that stay with you, not for the headlines or recognition, but for the lessons they teach about focus, perseverance, and the grind of domestic cricket,” he said.
Despite its crucial role, domestic cricket often goes unnoticed except when India struggles abroad. The recent 3–1 loss in Australia, 3–0 home defeat to New Zealand, and 2–0 series loss to South Africa, including a 408-run defeat in Guwahati, brought domestic cricket briefly into public debate, reminding fans of the system that nurtures future stars.
Speaking about domestic cricket versus the IPL, Gowtham highlighted the distinct lessons each format provides. “Ranji cricket grinds you. You bowl long spells on unresponsive wickets. It teaches control, discipline, and patience. IPL is fast-paced and demands creativity and quick adaptation. Both formats shape you differently,” he said.
Asked if he ever felt underutilised or misunderstood during his career, Gowtham replied, “I was never misunderstood. If anything, that inner fire kept me going.”
Recalling lighter moments, he mentioned his intense arguments with coach Santosh Menon. “Never with players. Everyone knew if I was arguing with Santosh sir, they’d stay aside. That was part of who I was,” he said with a smile.
Gowtham also reflected on the four-year phase he spent away from top-level cricket, calling it a period of learning and self-growth. “If an arrow has to reach its target, it first needs to be pulled back. That setback taught me patience and sharpened my focus,” he said.
He explained that his retirement was a conscious decision to create space for younger players. “Stepping aside for the next generation is as important as winning trophies. Retirement is about giving space to young talent and ensuring the team has a balanced mix of youth and experience,” Gowtham added.
Beyond cricket, he plans to carry the discipline and focus from the domestic circuit into wildlife conservation, education, and charitable work. “The grind doesn’t end with cricket. Discipline, patience, and focus—these are values I want to use to make a difference in society,” he said.
Gowtham’s journey underscores the hidden struggle of domestic cricket — a rigorous, often unacknowledged arena that shapes cricketers not only into athletes but also into individuals ready to face life’s challenges.
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