Indian Cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy Announces Retirement From All Cricket Formats

Veda Krishnamurthy Announces Retirement From Cricket

Veda Krishnamurthy, the Indian cricketer, has declared her retirement from all forms of cricket. The announcement marks the end of a significant career that saw her represent India in numerous international tournaments.

Veda Krishnamurthy played her last game for India in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup , 2020 © Getty

Krishnamurthy was a key member of the Indian squad that reached the final of the 2017 World Cup and the 2020 T20 World Cup.

In a heartfelt retirement note shared on social media, Veda reflected on her journey. "A small-town girl with big dreams. That's how it all started in Kadur," she wrote. "I picked up a bat not knowing where it would take me. But I knew I loved the game... Cricket gave me so much more than just a career. It gave me a sense of who I am."

She added, "Today, with a full heart, I'm calling time on this chapter."

A Look Back at Her Career

An aggressive middle-order batter, Veda Krishnamurthy played 48 ODIs and 76 T20Is for India. Her last appearance for the national team was in the 2020 T20 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Her final ODI was in April 2018 against England. She retired with 829 runs and three wickets in ODIs, and 875 runs in T20Is.

Veda expressed gratitude to those who supported her throughout her career:

• "To my parents and siblings... thank you for being my first team and my constant strength."
• "To my coaches, captains and mentors, thank you for shaping me."
• "To BCCI, thank you for trusting me with the honour of representing India."

She also thanked her teammates, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Railways, and KIOC for their support.

Leadership Roles and Memorable Moments

Krishnamurthy cherished her time captaining Karnataka and Railways, emphasizing the honor it was and how those teams helped her develop. She also spoke fondly of the pride associated with wearing the Indian jersey and the significance of being part of the 2017 World Cup, which she believes changed the landscape of women's cricket in India.

A skilled fielder, Veda jointly holds the record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Women's T20Is.

Post-Retirement Plans

After being overlooked for the national side and the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) auction, Veda transitioned to commentary and broadcasting. She played for Gujarat Giants in the second WPL season in 2024, scoring 22 runs in four innings. She also played in the Women's Big Bash League for the Hobart Hurricanes in 2017-18.

Now, Veda Krishnamurthy is eager to contribute back to the sport in any capacity.

"This game gave me everything," she stated. "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 played with fire in my heart and pride in every step. Always for the team. Always for India."