India batter Veda Krishnamurthy on Friday announced her retirement from all forms of cricket through her social media accounts. The right-handed middle-order batter, known for her grit and consistency, bid farewell to the game with an emotional note reflecting on her journey from a small town to representing India on the global stage.
“A small-town girl with big dreams. 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 India jersey.”
“Cricket gave me so much more than just a career. It gave me a sense of who I am. It taught me how to fight, how to fall, and how to keep showing up. Today, with a full heart, I’m calling time on this chapter,” wrote Veda in her retirement post.
During her international career, Veda played 48 ODIs, scoring 829 runs with eight half-centuries, and featured in 76 T20Is, where she scored 875 runs including two fifties. On the domestic and franchise front, she turned out for Hobart Hurricanes in the 2017/18 WBBL, Velocity in the Women’s T20 Challenge, and Gujarat Giants in the 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL).
She also took time to express gratitude to those who supported her throughout her cricketing journey.
“To my parents and siblings, especially my sister, thank you for being my first team and my constant strength. To my coaches, captains, and mentors, thank you for shaping me. To The BCCI, thank you for trusting me with the honour of representing India.”
“To KSCA, Railways and KIOC, thank you for giving me the space to grow. To my teammates, you made every bit of this journey worth it. We’ve shared everything, wins, losses, and laughs that will stay with me forever. You were never just teammates. You were family.”
“To my friends, thank you for being there, especially when no one was watching. 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,” added Veda.
Veda was a part of the Indian squad that finished runners-up in the 2017 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
“And India… Nothing comes close to the feeling of wearing that jersey. The anthem, the adrenaline, the pride – it lives in your bones forever. And 2017… What a year. To be part of a World Cup that changed how people saw women’s cricket in India I’ll always be proud of that.”
“To the physios, trainers, selectors, and every single person who worked behind the scenes, thank you. This game gave me everything. And I’ll always be grateful for it,” added Veda.
Following her playing days, Veda ventured into commentary and coaching, lending her voice and experience to India’s matches and the WPL in both English and Kannada.
“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. I played with fire in my heart and pride in every step. Always for the team. Always for India. Jai Hind with love,” concluded Veda.