IPL 2025 mega auction: Krishnappa Gowtham says he doesn’t wish to play for Punjab Kings | Cricket News

Ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, Karnataka all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham has revealed that he doesn’t wish to play for Punjab Kings as he never had a good experience during his stint with the Mohali-based franchise.
The 36-year-old was part of the Punjab Kings squad for the 2020 season and played only two games. Gowtham was bought for Rs 6.20 crore. He picked up only one wicket in the two outings with an economy of 10.50 and had scored 42 runs with a strike rate of 155.55.
When asked is there one team you don’t want to play for in the IPL in an interview on Cricket.com, the all-rounder replied: “I would say Punjab Kings. I’m just being very honest.”
“Reason being, I’ve never had a good experience with them.”
Gowtham said there are reasons beyond cricket behind, why he doesn’t want to play for the Punjab Kings.
“There are other things. It’s not just about cricket, there are other things as well. It’s not the way I would want to be treated as a cricketer,” he said.
“I think there’s a lot more what I wear on my sleeve. When I play for a team, I always give 100%, more than 100% on the field. I never keep anything back.
But I wouldn’t give more than 100% to Punjab Kings if they pick me.”
Gowtham has played 36 matches in the IPL, picked up 21 wickets at an economy rate of 8.24 and has mustered 247 with a healthy strike rate of 166.89.
Punjab Kings, with Rs 110.50 crore in their coffers, are entering the auction with the biggest purse.
Gowtham will be among the 577 who will go under the hammer at the two-day IPL mega auction starting from Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.