Veda Krishnamurthy Bids Farewell to Cricket: ‘A Small-Town Girl with Big Dreams’

India’s aggressive middle-order batter, Veda Krishnamurthy, officially announced her retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday, July 25.

A key member of the Indian squad that reached the finals of the 2017 ODI World Cup and the 2020 T20 World Cup, Veda bids farewell to an illustrious career.

A Journey That Began in Kadur

Veda shared a heartfelt note on social media to announce her retirement. “A small-town girl with big dreams. That’s how it all started in Kadur,” she wrote.

Recalling how she picked up the bat without knowing where it would lead her, Veda spoke about how cricket gave her an identity. “It taught me how to fight, how to fall and how to keep showing up. Today, with a full heart, I’m calling time on this chapter.”

International Career Highlights

During her international career, Veda played 48 One Day Internationals and 76 T20 Internationals. She last appeared for India in the 2020 T20 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Her final ODI came nearly two years earlier in April 2018 against England. In her 50-over career, she accumulated 829 runs and took three wickets, while in the T20 format, she amassed 875 runs.

Her ODI debut in 2012 against England at Derby saw her scoring a half-century. Among her most notable contributions was her 70-run knock off 45 balls against New Zealand in the 2017 World Cup, helping India qualify for the semifinals.

Domestic Success and Leadership

Veda led both Karnataka and Railways in domestic cricket. She captained Karnataka to successive runners-up finishes in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy in 2021-22 and 2022-23.

In the 2023 final, Karnataka fell short by just six runs against Railways. Her leadership was a defining chapter in her domestic career, helping shape many young players while performing consistently herself.

Participation in Franchise Cricket

Veda also made her mark in international franchise cricket. She played in the 2017-18 Women’s Big Bash League for Hobart Hurricanes, scoring 144 runs in nine matches.

Despite going unsold in the inaugural Women’s Premier League auction, she returned to play in 2024 for Gujarat Giants. However, her WPL stint was brief, scoring 22 runs in four innings and not being retained for the next season.

A Fielder Par Excellence

Known for her fielding skills, Veda shares the joint record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Women’s T20 Internationals. Her agility and game awareness on the field were widely praised throughout her career.

A Tribute to Those Behind Her Journey

In her retirement message, Veda thanked her family, especially her sister, for being her first team and constant strength.

She expressed her gratitude to her coaches, captains, mentors, and teams like BCCI, KSCA, Railways, and KIOC for shaping her career. “To my teammates, you made every bit of this journey worth it. We’ve shared everything – wins, losses and laughs that will stay with me forever. You were never just teammates. You were family,” she wrote.

She also acknowledged the physios, trainers, selectors, and behind-the-scenes staff, noting their invaluable contributions to her journey.

Looking Ahead: A New Role in Cricket

Following her exit from the Indian team and missing selection in the first WPL auction, Veda transitioned briefly into commentary and broadcasting.

Now, as she closes this chapter, she’s eager to continue her connection with cricket. “This game gave me everything. And I’ll always be grateful for it. Now it’s time to give back. Whatever the role, whatever the way, I’m here for the game. I truly believe this second innings will be just as meaningful.”

Farewell, But Not Goodbye

Veda Krishnamurthy signs off from playing with pride and gratitude. “I played with fire in my heart and pride in every step. Always for the team. Always for India.”

Her final official appearance on the field came in WPL 2024 with Gujarat Giants, five years after her last international match. Although her playing days are over, her journey with cricket is far from finished.

As she steps away from the pitch, Veda leaves behind a legacy of passion, resilience, and pride—always for India, always for the team.