As the IPL 2025 mega auction looms, seasoned off-spinner Krishnappa Gowtham has stirred the cricketing world with bold revelations about his former franchise, Punjab Kings (PBKS). Speaking candidly on the Unwind podcast, Gowtham shared unsettling experiences from his stint with PBKS, casting a shadow over the franchise just hours before the auction, scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah.
Having played for multiple IPL teams, including Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Gowtham’s criticism of PBKS is particularly striking. The Karnataka all-rounder, who has participated in 36 IPL matches since his debut in 2017, highlighted how his opportunities were limited despite his recognized talent.
Rajasthan Royals, he noted, stood out as the only team that gave him a consistent run, featuring him in 22 matches across two seasons. Krishnappa Gowtham’s grievances with Punjab Kings extend beyond on-field opportunities. He described his time with the franchise as a “horror experience,” citing not just the lack of game time but also the treatment he received.
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“I’ve never had a good experience with them. It’s not just about cricket but the way I was treated as a cricketer,” Krishnappa Gowtham remarked, adding that PBKS is the one team he would never want to represent again.
𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗗𝗢𝗡’𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥? 🤔
Krishnappa Gowtham: “Punjab Kings. Never had a good experience with them. There are other things, not just about cricket.” 😯
Full episode: https://t.co/J2TTXnNlVv pic.twitter.com/PBgnvZsKlw
— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) November 23, 2024
His comments take on added significance given their timing, as franchises finalize their auction strategies. Krishnappa Gowtham openly admitted that if PBKS were to acquire him in the 2025 auction, he wouldn’t be motivated to give his all. “When I play for a team, I always give more than 100%. But I wouldn’t do that for Punjab Kings because of my past experience,” he stated emphatically.
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Such blunt criticism is rare in the IPL, where players typically maintain diplomatic silence regarding internal team dynamics. Gowtham’s remarks are a stark reminder of the challenges some players face within the league, where opportunities and respect often vary greatly between franchises.
With this revelation surfacing on the eve of the auction, all eyes will be on PBKS to see how they address these claims and whether Gowtham finds himself back in the IPL mix with a franchise that values his talent and commitment.
