I’m taking a youngster’s place: Veda Krishnamurthy calls it quits | Cricket News
BENGALURU: A gawky youngster from Kadur, in the picturesque district of Chikkamagaluru, once took the Karnataka women’s cricket circuit by storm. Barely a teenager, she struck the ball fearlessly, was silver-quick on the field and was backed by infectious energy. In a state where there was a shortfall of emerging stars among women cricketers, Veda Krishnamurthy’s arrival was a breath of fresh air. At 13, she made her Karnataka debut. For the next 18 years, she served the game well, excelling both at national and international level. On Friday evening, in an emotional social-media post, the 32-year-old called time on her playing career. “From a small-town girl with big dreams to wearing the India jersey with pride, grateful for everything. “Cricket gave me the lessons, the people, and the memories. It’s time to say goodbye to playing, but not to the game,” she stated.
Veda will be best remembered for being a part of the turnaround generation of Indian women’s cricket, which fought its way through to the title contest of the ICC Women’s World Cup against England at Lord’s in 2017. Speaking to TOI, Veda, who hasn’t been seen in India colours since the 2020 T20 World Cup final in Australia, said, “I felt the time was right. The national selectors are clear that there are no comebacks and in domestic cricket, I feel I’m taking away a place from a youngster.”
It was a well-thought-out decision with a focus on the future. “I knew the day would come,” said Veda, who featured in the second edition of the Women’s Premier League for Gujarat Giants. “I feel the Karnataka team is in the right place now with a good mix of talent and experience. I’ve been mentoring the girls for the past couple of years, and I leave the team a satisfied person.” Veda, who featured in 48 ODIs and 76 T20Is for the country, termed the 2017 World Cup final (50 overs) and the T20 World Cup title contest in 2020 as key moments in her career.
