Table of Contents
Veteran Indian cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy announced her retirement from all forms of the game on Friday, July 25, bringing an end to a career that saw her represent the nation on numerous occasions, including two World Cup finals.
The dynamic middle-order batter, known for her aggressive style and athleticism, shared her decision through a heartfelt note on social media, reflecting on a journey that took her from a small town to the grandest cricketing stages.
“A small-town girl with big dreams. That’s how it all started in Kadur,” Veda penned in her emotional statement. She recounted picking up a bat without a clear path, driven solely by her love for the sport. This passion, she explained, propelled her far beyond her imagination, from the narrow streets of her hometown to proudly donning the Indian jersey in major stadiums worldwide. For Veda, cricket was more than just a profession; it was a profound journey of self-discovery, teaching her resilience, perseverance, and the importance of consistently showing up. “Today, with a full heart, I’m calling time on this chapter,” she concluded, signaling the end of her playing days.
Veda’s cricketing journey: From Kadur to the world stage
Veda’s international career spanned 48 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 76 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). She was a crucial member of the Indian squad that reached the finals of both the 2017 ODI World Cup in England and the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia, where India finished as runners-up to England and Australia, respectively. Her last appearance for India was in the momentous 2020 T20 World Cup final at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Her final ODI cap came nearly two years prior, in April 2018, against a visiting England side. Throughout her international career, Veda amassed 829 runs and claimed three wickets in the 50-overs format, while accumulating 875 runs in the shortest format of the game, often providing crucial impetus in the middle order.
Beyond her international commitments, Veda also gained experience in prominent franchise leagues. She made her Women’s Premier League (WPL) debut for Gujarat Giants in the second edition of the tournament in 2024, scoring 22 runs across four innings. Prior to that, she also featured in a season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) for the Hobart Hurricanes in 2017-18, where she scored 144 runs in nine innings, showcasing her talent on the global franchise circuit.
Also READ:
Veda’s heartfelt tribute to her family, coaches, captains and mentors
In her retirement message, Veda extended heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her journey. She thanked her family, particularly her parents and sister, for being her “first team and constant strength.” Coaches, captains, and mentors were acknowledged for their role in shaping her career, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) received appreciation for the honor of representing her country. She also recognized the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Railways, and Karnataka Institute of Cricket (KIOC) for providing the environment for her growth.
Her teammates, she emphasized, were more than just colleagues; they were “family,” with whom she shared every high and low, forging memories that will last a lifetime. Veda expressed immense pride in her leadership roles, stating that captaining Karnataka and Railways was an honor she would always cherish, as these teams challenged her and allowed her to lead with passion. The feeling of wearing the Indian jersey, hearing the anthem, and experiencing the adrenaline and pride, she noted, “lives in your bones forever.” She specifically highlighted the 2017 World Cup as a pivotal moment that transformed the perception of women’s cricket in India, a legacy she remains immensely proud of.
Looking ahead, Veda expressed a strong desire to remain connected to the sport that gave her so much. “This game gave me everything. And I’ll always be grateful for it. Now it’s time to give back,” she affirmed. She indicated her openness to any role, in any capacity, to contribute to the game’s development, believing that this “second innings” will be equally meaningful. Veda concluded her message with a powerful statement reflecting her career ethos: “I played with fire in my heart and pride in every step. Always for the team. Always for India.”
Also READ:
This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.
