As the IPL 2025 mega auction is hours away, Krishnappa Gowtham has taken the cricket world by storm by making some explosive revelations about his former franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS). The seasoned off-spinner has already played for multiple IPL teams but has openly slammed Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Speaking on a Unwind podcast, Krishnappa Gowtham shared a horror experience of being part of the Punjab Kings in the IPL and that could tarnish the franchise’s image just a day before the IPL 2025 mega auction, which is set to be held in Jeddah on November 24 and 25.
Krishnappa Gowtham slams Punjab Kings for poor treatment during his stint ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction
The Karnataka bowler has so far been part of the Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL apart from the Punjab Kings.
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Having represented three different IPL teams since 2017, Gowtham has been part of the league for 36 matches. However, despite his skill and versatility, Gowtham could play only 36 matches despite making his IPL debut in 2017. It was only Rajasthan Royals (RR) who believed in him and given a longer rope in the IPL, playing 22 matches across the two seasons for them.
The bowling all-rounder never got a chance to prove himself on the field, but it was the Punjab Kings franchise that made him feel like nothing. Krishnappa Gowtham has made it clear that of all the franchises he has played for, Punjab Kings is the one he would never want to represent again in the IPL.
Gowtham doesn’t want to play for PBKS in the IPL anymore
The off-spinner claimed that he has never had a good experience with the franchise, and it wasn’t just about cricketing opportunities but the overall treatment he received during his time with the IPL side.
He further emphasized that if Punjab Kings picked him at the IPL 2025 auction, he would not give his 100% and that’s because of his past experience. This is not the first time, but a rare instance when a player has been openly slamming the treatment given by an IPL team ahead of the auction.
Krishnappa Gowtham was quoted as saying by Cricket.com: “I would say Punjab Kings. I’m just being very honest. I’ve never had a good experience with them. There are other things; it’s not just about cricket. It’s not the way I would want to be treated as a cricketer. When I play for a team, I always give more than 100% for the team; I never keep anything back. But I wouldn’t give more than 100% to the Punjab Kings if they pick me (at the IPL 2025 mega auction).”
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
Glenn Maxwell exposes Punjab Kings’ dark secrets
Even many claimed the alleged influence of PBKS owners in team selections as well as tense dressing room environments, with players, coaches, and support staff feeling the heat after every defeat in the world’s biggest T20 extravaganza.
Earlier, Australian all-rounder and former Punjab captain Glenn Maxwell also exposed the IPL team’s inner workings in his autobiography. Maxwell recalled how mentor Virender Sehwag had picked the playing XI despite Maxwell being the team captain during the 2017 season.
To make things worse, Virender Sehwag allegedly threw Glenn Maxwell under the bus during post-match press conferences, blaming him for the team’s failures. With players like Gowtham and Maxwell openly criticizing the Punjab franchise and sharing their bad experiences, the IPL team is now certain to face serious criticism from the fans and players.