India batter Veda Krishnamurthy retires: Small town girl from Karnataka who made it big

Bengaluru: India batter Veda Krishnamurthy announced her decision to step away from all forms of cricket, marking the end of a career that promised a lot but didn't reach the expected heights. The dashing right-hander represented India in 48 ODIs and 76 T20Is, amassing 829 and 875 runs respectively in a span of 14 years.

Known for her aggressive stroke play and fighting spirit, Veda's final big appearance on the field came during the 2024 Women’s Premier League, where she turned out for the Gujarat Giants in a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The 32-year-old, who has already dabbled with TV commentary in Kannada, has hinted that she desires to stay connected to cricket as she “explores her options.” 

"The journey has been beautiful, like from 2005, it has been almost 20 years," Veda told DH on Friday. "Almost two decades in state cricket, that sums up the whole story, along with playing World Cups and Karnataka (Senior women's one-day) making it to the finals twice (World Cups). I think all of that has been a big highlight and it has been a beautiful and happy journey."  

The Chikkamagaluru cricketer made her India debut in 2011 in a T20I against Australia in Billericay and seven days later earned her first ODI cap against England at Derby. She also represented India in two World Cup finals (ICC Women's World Cup 2017 & ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020). The 32-year-old's final appearance for the country also came in the T20 World Cup final against Australia.

"A small-town girl with big dreams," Veda wrote in her social media post. "That's how it all started in Kadur. I picked up a bat not knowing where it would take me. But I knew I loved the game. I never imagined it would take me this far from narrow streets to the biggest stadiums, from quiet hopes to proudly wearing the Indian jersey."

When asked about how she had come to the retirement decision, Veda said: "I have been thinking about retirement for a while and not something which I've come up overnight; for over the last couple of years... I felt the young ones are ready to continue the legacy and I did not want to take up a spot of any youngsters coming through in the state."

Veda has also floated the possibility of coaching and said that she has been working with some of the cricketers and teams in a mentor's capacity. 

"I have been doing a lot of media over the last few years," she said. "I will be continuing that. And at the same time, I will also be doing a level two course next month. It will help me with my comms and at the same time, it will also open up another avenue for me to explore. I have been grooming young kids and I would love to explore my options with respect the coaching aspect. However, coaching is a different thing all together, so let's see."