Veda Krishnamurthy, one of India’s most spirited and versatile cricketers, has announced her retirement from international cricket at the age of 32. The middle-order batter, known for her aggressive strokeplay and electric fielding, drew the curtains on a career that spanned over a decade and featured several memorable moments in Indian women’s cricket. Though retiring from on-field duties, Veda made it clear that her journey in cricket is far from over—she aims to stay connected to the game in different roles off the field.
Veda made her debut for India in 2011 as an 18-year-old, scoring a confident half-century against England in her very first ODI. Over the years, she grew into a reliable contributor in both ODIs and T20Is, known for her ability to accelerate the innings in pressure situations. She featured in 48 One-Day Internationals and 76 T20 Internationals, amassing over 1,700 runs combined, including eight ODI fifties and two in T20Is. Her fielding often saved crucial runs, and her energy on the field made her an asset to the side.
She was a vital part of the Indian squads that reached the finals of the 2017 Women’s World Cup and the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup. In both tournaments, her cameos and sharp fielding stood out, even if India ultimately fell short of the titles. The 2017 campaign, in particular, brought women’s cricket into the mainstream in India, and Veda was at the heart of that movement.
Her career, however, wasn’t without personal hardships. In 2021, she faced the devastating loss of her mother and sister due to COVID-19, a blow that deeply affected her emotionally and mentally. Veda later opened up about the toll it took on her well-being, and how she sought professional help to overcome that phase. Her honesty and vulnerability sparked much-needed conversations around mental health in Indian sport.
In recent years, Veda’s presence in the national team had dwindled, but she remained determined to make a comeback. She worked tirelessly to regain fitness and had her eyes set on the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as a route back into elite cricket. Even though she went unsold in the auction, her passion for the game remained undeterred.
Her retirement note was reflective and full of gratitude—acknowledging the support of her family, coaches, teammates, and fans. She referred to cricket as a journey of identity and resilience, and pledged to continue giving back to the sport. Having already ventured into commentary and mentoring roles, Veda seems poised to play a key part in shaping the future of Indian women’s cricket from outside the boundary ropes.
As she steps into a new role, Veda’s impact will likely continue—whether in nurturing young players, advocating for mental health, or contributing to the development of the women’s game. Her legacy is not just in the runs she scored or the catches she took, but in her fierce determination, loyalty to the team, and willingness to inspire others by being her authentic self.