Former KKR, PBKS Spinner Announces Retirement At 31, Says 'I Lived The Dream I Once Only Imagined'

A decade after making headlines as one of the most intriguing uncapped picks in IPL history, mystery spinner KC Cariappa has announced his retirement from BCCI cricket at the age of 31. His decision marks the end of a career that began with extraordinary promise, dramatic bidding wars, and moments that briefly captured the imagination of fans across the country.

Cariappa's rise to fame was unconventional. With no prior first-class or List A experience and having played only in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL), he stunned the cricketing world when Kolkata Knight Riders secured him for a staggering ₹2.5 crore at the 2015 IPL auction.

On debut that season, he justified the hype by dismissing AB de Villiers - one of the greatest batters the game

has seen. But the breakthrough was short-lived. He featured in only one match that year before being benched and later released.

His IPL journey continued with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), who signed him for ₹80 lakh in 2016. He later represented Rajasthan Royals and eventually returned to KKR in 2019, only to once again play just a single match. Across seven seasons, he played 11 IPL games, taking eight wickets at an economy of 8.66.

Announcing his retirement through Instagram, Cariappa wrote, "From the streets where it all began to stadium lights and wearing the jersey with pride - I lived the dream I once only imagined. Today, I officially announce my retirement from BCCI cricket. " Reflecting on his highs and lows, he added, "This journey gave me everything. Victories that made me smile, defeats that broke me and lessons that shaped me. I've felt pressure, pain, sacrifice but also the kind of joy only cricket can give. "

While he first flourished under the Karnataka system, Cariappa eventually played his domestic cricket for Mizoram, where he delivered some of his best performances. In 14 first-class matches, he claimed an impressive 75 wickets at an average of 23.20, along with 24 wickets in 20 List A games. He also finished with 58 wickets in 58 T20s at an economy of 6.60.

Expressing gratitude, he said, "I owe my deepest gratitude to Karnataka State Cricket Association for building me, guiding me and believing in me when it mattered the most. And to the Cricket Association of Mizoram, thank you for trusting me and supporting me like family. " He also fondly recalled his IPL journey: "My 7-year IPL journey will always stay close to my heart. Proud to have represented KKR, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Rajasthan Royals. "

Signing off emotionally, Cariappa thanked everyone who stood by him: "To every selector, coach, teammate, support staff, and every fan - thank you. You didn't just support my game. you supported my dream. I may be retiring from BCCI cricket today but I will never retire from loving this game. "