July 25, 2025 — Veteran Indian women’s cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy has officially brought her playing career to a close, announcing her retirement from all forms of cricket. Known for her aggressive style and spirited presence on the field, Veda was a key figure in India’s rise on the global stage, especially during their historic runs to the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup final and the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final.
In a heartfelt note shared on social media, Veda Krishnamurthy reflected on her journey from a small town in Karnataka to wearing the Indian jersey on the world’s biggest stages. “A small-town girl with big dreams. That’s how it all started in Kadur,” she wrote. “I picked up the bat not knowing where it would take me, but I knew I loved the game.”
A Career Built on Grit, Passion, and Pride
A middle-order batter with a fearless mindset, Veda Krishnamurthy played 48 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 76 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for India. She amassed 829 runs and picked up 3 wickets in ODIs, while scoring 875 runs in the T20I format. She last donned the Indian jersey during the 2020 T20 World Cup final at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Her final ODI appearance came in April 2018, against England.
Beyond the numbers, Veda earned a reputation for her sharp fielding skills. She holds the joint record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Women’s T20 Internationals, underlining her value in the outfield.
Veda Krishnamurthy Message from the Heart
In her retirement message, Veda Krishnamurthy expressed immense gratitude to everyone who shaped her cricketing journey — from family and coaches to teammates and fans.
“Cricket gave me so much more than a career. It gave me identity, it taught me resilience, how to rise after falling, and to keep showing up,” she wrote. “To my parents, especially my sister, you were my first team. To my teammates — you weren’t just players, you were family.”
She also extended her thanks to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Indian Railways, and the KIOC academy for providing platforms where she could learn, lead, and grow.
Leadership & Domestic Impact
While she represented India on the international stage, Veda Krishnamurthy also led domestic teams with distinction. She captained both Karnataka and Railways, two powerhouses in Indian women’s cricket, contributing significantly to their success. Her leadership style was defined by passion and self-belief, qualities that earned her the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
Reflecting on those years, she wrote:
“Captaining Karnataka and Railways was an honour I’ll always cherish. Those teams allowed me to grow and lead with my heart.”
Life After International Cricket
After being left out of the national setup and the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction, Veda Krishnamurthy transitioned into commentary and broadcasting. In 2024, she made her WPL debut for the Gujarat Giants, although her stint was short-lived. She managed just 22 runs in 4 innings and wasn’t retained for the 2025 season.
She also had an international franchise experience, playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the 2017–18 Women’s Big Bash League, where she scored 144 runs in 9 innings.
Looking Ahead: A Second Innings
Although her playing days are over, Veda Krishnamurthy has no plans to walk away from the game she loves. She is now open to new roles within cricket — be it coaching, mentoring, commentary, or administration — and is eager to contribute in any way she can.
“This game has given me everything, and now it’s my turn to give back,” she said. “Whatever the role, I’m ready. I truly believe this second innings will be just as meaningful.”
Final Words
Veda signed off with a message that captures the spirit of her career:
“I played with fire in my heart and pride in every step. Always for the team. Always for India.”
With her retirement, Veda Krishnamurthy leaves behind a legacy of determination, courage, and contribution to women’s cricket in India. As she enters a new phase in her career, the cricketing world will be watching — and waiting — to see how this passionate player continues to shape the game off the field.
