Katti retires from first-class cricket

Katti, who made his debut in the Irani Cup match against Rest of India at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and had been a part of Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy triumphs in the late 90s, took 141 wickets from 46 matches for Karnataka and Assam.

“I have decided to retire from first class cricket henceforth. I would like to thank KSCA, former players, selectors, coaches, managers, umpires, KSCA office bearers, KSCA staff and groundsmen for the support extended to me in my playing days.

“My special thanks to V Jagannath (former KSCA vice-president) who was responsible for my progress after coming to Bangalore in 1991. I also want to thank my first coach Vasanth Murudeshwar who got me an opportunity to play league cricket for Malleswaram Gymkhana and State Bank of Mysore in Bangalore, which went a long way in shaping my career,” the 38-year old Katti said in a statement.

Katti was a part of the Karnataka team that won the Ranji Trophy in 1996-97 and 1998-99 and the Irani Cup in the same seasons. He was also a member of the Karnataka side that played against the touring South Africa in the 1996-97 season at Kochi. Katti played his last first-class match when he appeared for East Zone against West Zone in the Duleep Trophy.

“I am fortunate enough to be a part of the Karnataka side that won the Ranji Trophy two times, Irani Cup twice. I was also a part of the State side that played against SA, making my tenure a memorable one,” Katti added.

Katti last played his match for Karnataka in the 2001-02 season against Andhra at the Kurnool Sports Council Stadium before moving out to play for Assam in 2005-06 season. Katti hoped to render his services to State cricket as a selector. “I’m in the under-19 selection panel now. I hope to tap talent from mofussil areas and contribute in making the Karnataka cricket stronger,” he noted.