The 32-year old represented India in 48 ODIs and 76 T20Is. On July 25, 2025, Indian women’s cricket lost one of its most dependable middle-order batters and exceptional fielders as Veda Krishnamurthy announced her retirement from all forms of cricket. Her journey from the narrow streets of Kadur to representing India in World Cup finals epitomizes the transformative power of determination and talent in women’s cricket.
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The End of an Era: Veda Krishnamurthy’s Emotional Farewell
Veda Krishnamurthy chose July 25, 2025, to pen down one of the most heartfelt retirement announcements in recent women’s cricket history. The Karnataka-born cricketer, who became synonymous with aggressive middle-order batting and spectacular fielding, reflected on her journey with characteristic grace and gratitude.
“A small-town girl with big dreams. That’s how it all started in Kadur,” Veda wrote in her retirement note posted on social media. Her words encapsulated not just her personal journey but also the broader narrative of women’s cricket in India – a story of breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating pathways for future generations.
The decision to retire comes after a career that witnessed some of the most significant moments in Indian women’s cricket history. From being part of the team that reached the 2017 World Cup final to contributing to India’s maiden T20 World Cup final appearance in 2020, Veda Krishnamurthy’s career timeline mirrors the evolution of women’s cricket in the country.
A Statistical Journey Through Excellence
Veda Krishnamurthy’s international career statistics tell the story of consistency and reliability in India’s middle order. Her numbers reflect not just personal achievements but also her crucial role in India’s rise as a formidable force in women’s cricket.
International Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 48 | 829 | 24.38 | 71.85 | 89* | 35 |
| T20I | 76 | 875 | 21.87 | 114.37 | 51 | 28 |
| Total | 124 | 1,704 | 23.00 | 88.06 | 89* | 63 |
Domestic and League Performances
| Competition | Matches | Runs | Average | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBBL (Hobart Hurricanes) | 9 | 144 | 18.00 | Debut season 2017-18 |
| WPL (Gujarat Giants) | 4 | 22 | 7.33 | 2024 season |
| Karnataka State | 100+ | 2,500+ | 35+ | Multiple state championships |
The Debut That Started It All
She made her debut in international cricket at the age of 18 in a one day international (ODI) against England Women at Derby on 30 June 2011. Krishnamurthy went on to score 51 runs on her ODI international debut. This remarkable start to her international career set the tone for what would become a 14-year journey representing India across formats.
The confidence and composure she displayed during that debut innings in Derby became hallmarks of her batting throughout her career. Her ability to construct innings under pressure made her an invaluable asset to the Indian team, particularly in the middle overs of limited-overs cricket.
Memorable Moments and Career Highlights
The 2017 World Cup Campaign
The 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup in England remains the pinnacle of Veda Krishnamurthy’s international career. This tournament not only saw India reach their first-ever World Cup final but also marked a turning point for women’s cricket in India. Veda’s contributions throughout the tournament, both with the bat and in the field, were instrumental in India’s historic run.
Her performances during this campaign helped elevate the profile of women’s cricket in India significantly. The tournament’s impact extended beyond just cricket, inspiring a generation of young girls to take up the sport and dream of representing their country.
Fielding Excellence and Records
She also holds the record for the most catches in an innings in T20Is, having taken four catches against Australia in 2018. Beyond her batting prowess, Veda Krishnamurthy established herself as one of the finest fielders in women’s cricket. Her athleticism and safe hands made her a captain’s dream in the field.
Apart from her batting prowess, Veda was known for her exceptional fielding skills, taking nearly 60 catches during her international career, making her one of the most reliable fielders in the Indian setup. Her fielding statistics showcase the complete cricketer she evolved into during her international career.
Leadership Roles and Domestic Success
Veda’s leadership qualities extended beyond the international arena. Her captaincy of Karnataka and Railways teams provided her with valuable experience in leading from the front. These roles shaped her understanding of the game and contributed to her development as a mentor for younger players.
“Captaining Karnataka and Railways was an honour I’ll always hold close. Those teams shaped me, challenged me, and gave me space to lead with heart,” she reflected in her retirement statement, highlighting the importance of domestic cricket in her development.
The Evolution of Women’s Cricket During Veda’s Era
Veda Krishnamurthy’s career spanned one of the most transformative periods in women’s cricket history. When she made her debut in 2011, women’s cricket in India was still struggling for recognition and support. By the time of her retirement in 2025, the landscape had changed dramatically.
The introduction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), increased media coverage, better pay structures, and greater corporate support all contributed to elevating the status of women’s cricket. Veda witnessed and contributed to this transformation, serving as both a player and later as a commentator and broadcaster.
Impact on Young Cricketers
Throughout her career, Veda served as an inspiration for countless young girls who dreamed of representing India. Her journey from Kadur to international cricket demonstrated that with dedication and hard work, geographical and economic barriers could be overcome.
Her work as a commentator and broadcaster after stepping away from regular international cricket allowed her to remain connected to the game while sharing her insights and experiences with newer generations of players and fans.
Challenges and Comebacks
Like many athletes, Veda’s career was not without its challenges. Periods of being overlooked for national selection tested her resilience and determination. Her transition to commentary and broadcasting showed her adaptability and deep understanding of the game.
The disappointment of not being retained by Gujarat Giants after her WPL debut season could have been a setback, but Veda approached it with the same grace that characterized her playing career. Her brief stint in the league, while not statistically impressive, represented her continued commitment to playing cricket at the highest level.
Beyond the Boundary: Veda’s Multifaceted Personality
The doesn’t come as a surprise for she was a double black belt when all of 12. Veda’s athletic prowess extended beyond cricket, with her martial arts background contributing to her exceptional fitness and mental toughness on the cricket field.
Her educational background and articulate communication skills made her a natural fit for commentary and broadcasting roles. This transition showcased her versatility and deep understanding of cricket tactics and strategy.
The Broader Impact on Women’s Cricket
Veda Krishnamurthy’s retirement marks the end of an era for a generation of cricketers who pioneered the modern phase of Indian women’s cricket. Her contributions extend far beyond personal statistics and achievements.
Role Model and Mentor
Throughout her career, Veda served as a mentor to younger players, sharing her experience and knowledge. Her approach to the game, combining aggression with intelligence, became a template for aspiring middle-order batters in women’s cricket.
Advocacy and Representation
As one of the more vocal players during her career, Veda often spoke about the challenges facing women’s cricket and the need for better infrastructure and support. Her advocacy helped bring attention to important issues within the sport.
Looking Ahead: Veda’s Second Innings
In her retirement announcement, Veda expressed her desire to give back to the game 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. Whatever the role, whatever the way, I’m here for the game. I truly believe this second innings will be just as meaningful.”
Her experience as a player, captain, and broadcaster positions her perfectly for various roles in cricket administration, coaching, or continued media work. The women’s cricket ecosystem in India would benefit significantly from her continued involvement in whatever capacity she chooses.
Potential Future Roles
Given her experience and expertise, several potential paths lie ahead for Veda:
- Coaching and Mentorship: Her experience across formats and conditions makes her an ideal candidate for coaching roles
- Cricket Administration: Her understanding of player welfare and development could be valuable in administrative positions
- Media and Broadcasting: Her articulate communication and deep game knowledge make her a natural fit for expanded media roles
- Cricket Development: Working with grassroots programs to identify and nurture young talent
The Legacy Lives On
Veda retires with 48 ODIs and 76 T20I caps, with the highlight being her role in India’s seminal run to the 2017 World Cup final, where they came within nine runs of a maiden world title. While the statistics provide a quantitative measure of her contributions, Veda Krishnamurthy’s true legacy lies in the inspiration she provided to aspiring cricketers and her role in elevating women’s cricket in India.
Her journey from Kadur to Lord’s, from a small-town dreamer to a World Cup finalist, embodies the transformative power of sport. As she begins her “second innings” away from active cricket, the impact of her playing career will continue to resonate in the corridors of women’s cricket for years to come.
Tributes and Recognition
The cricketing fraternity, fans, and media have been quick to acknowledge Veda’s contributions to Indian cricket. Her teammates, coaches, and opponents have praised her professionalism, skill, and sportsmanship throughout her career.
The timing of her retirement, coming during a period of unprecedented growth in women’s cricket, allows her to transition into new roles while the sport continues to evolve and expand its reach.
FAQs
When did Veda Krishnamurthy announce her retirement from cricket?
Veda Krishnamurthy announced her retirement from all forms of cricket on July 25, 2025, through a heartfelt social media post reflecting on her journey from Kadur to international cricket.
What are Veda Krishnamurthy’s major achievements in international cricket?
Veda’s major achievements include being part of India’s 2017 World Cup final team, playing in the 2020 T20 World Cup final, scoring 1,704 international runs across 124 matches, and holding fielding records including four catches in a T20I innings against Australia.
How many matches did Veda Krishnamurthy play for India?
Veda Krishnamurthy represented India in 124 international matches – 48 ODIs and 76 T20Is – scoring 1,704 runs and taking 63 catches during her international career spanning over a decade.
Did Veda Krishnamurthy play in any overseas leagues?
Yes, Veda played in the Women’s Big Bash League for Hobart Hurricanes in 2017-18, scoring 144 runs in nine innings. She also participated in the Women’s Premier League for Gujarat Giants in 2024.
What are Veda Krishnamurthy’s plans after retirement?
Veda has expressed her desire to give back to cricket in any capacity, whether through coaching, administration, broadcasting, or development programs. She believes her “second innings” will be as meaningful as her playing career.
