Karnataka cricket witnessed an emotional moment on May 28 as their veteran wicketkeeper-batter KV Siddarth officially announced his retirement from all forms of Indian domestic cricket. The decision brings down the curtains on a highly respectable and dedicated career spent representing both Karnataka and Goa.
Karnataka's KV Siddharth announces retirement
Siddarth's retirement concludes a solid domestic journey across all formats of the game. Throughout his career, he featured in 35 first-class matches, accumulating over 2,100 runs at an impressive average above 38, which included six centuries and 11 half-centuries. He was also a reliable contributor in List A and T20 cricket, frequently showing glimpses of the immense talent that made him one of the most respected batsmen on the domestic circuit.
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The absolute pinnacle of Siddarth's career came during the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season, where he amassed 728 runs to finish as Karnataka’s leading run-scorer. He replicated that stellar form during the shortened 2021-22 season, hammering 410 runs in just four matches. Known for stepping up when the team's batting lineup struggled for consistency during the pandemic-affected years, Siddarth remained a vital anchor in the dressing room for several seasons, leaving behind a lasting legacy despite never earning a senior international cap.
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Notably, Siddharth was Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Devdutt Padikkal's Karnataka teammate. While Siddharth called it quits to the game, Padikkal remains fully focused on his duties with RCB in the IPL 2026. He will next be seen in action on May 31, 2026, when RCB take the field for the grand final against either Gujarat Titans or Rajasthan Royals.