Veda Krishnamurthy, a name synonymous with Indian cricket’s rising talent, embarked on her international journey at just 18. She burst onto the scene against England’s Women team in Derby on 30 June 2011.
Impressively, Krishnamurthy scored a solid 51 runs in her first ODI match. Not only does she wield the bat with finesse as a right-handed batter, but she also showcases skill in right-arm legbreak bowling.
Her debut marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in Indian women’s cricket, where Krishnamurthy continues to shine brightly.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Early Start: Veda began playing street cricket at the age of three and joined the Karnataka Institute of Cricket at thirteen.
- International Debut: Krishnamurthy debuted internationally at 18 against England, making a half-century in her first ODI match.
- Diverse Skills: She is a right-handed batter and a skilled right-arm legbreak bowler.
- Leadership Roles: Veda has captained teams in domestic cricket and played a significant role in advancing women's cricket in India.
- Big Bash Participation: She joined the Hobart Hurricanes in the Women's Big Bash League, enhancing her global cricket profile.
- Personal Challenges: Veda faced personal tragedies, losing close family members to COVID-19, but continued to excel in her cricket career.
- Future Prospects: In December 2023, she was signed by the Gujarat Giants for the upcoming Women's Premier League.
Veda Krishnamurthy: A Tale of Love and Nicknames
In a heartwarming reveal, Veda Krishnamurthy announced her engagement to Arjun Hoysala in September 2022. This exciting news, shared on her Instagram, captured hearts worldwide.
Also, Veda’s unique nicknames paint a vivid picture of her dynamic personality. Teammates on the Railways and Indian teams affectionately call her “Ved”.
Meanwhile, at the Hurricanes, she’s known as “Darth” or “Darthy”, thanks to Corinne Hall’s playful nod to Darth Vader. Additionally, in the Karnataka cricket circuit, she’s lovingly referred to as “Dhana”.
Veda humorously explains this nickname, rooted in her height. Initially standing at just four feet tall, “Dhana” translates to buffalo, a testament to her formidable presence on the field.
Journey of a Champion: Veda Krishnamurthy’s Early Years
Born the youngest of four, Veda Krishnamurthy took to street cricket at just three. Her childhood also saw her reluctantly practicing karate, a sport she disliked.
Yet, this discipline fortified her strength, leading her to earn a black belt by twelve. Tragically, in 2021, she lost her mother Cheluvamaba Devi and sister Vatsala Shivakumar to COVID-19.
From Small Town to Cricket Dreams: Veda’s Leap into Professional Sports
Veda’s cricket journey truly began at thirteen, enrolling in the Karnataka Institute of Cricket. There, Irfan Sait, her first coach, recognized her innate talent. He convinced Veda’s father, a cable operator, to relocate to Bengaluru for her training.
This move marked the start of her dedicated pursuit of cricket excellence. In Bengaluru, coaches like Apurva Sharma and Suman Sharma further shaped her skills. Mithali Raj, a cricket icon, inspired young Veda.
Remarkably, she had the honor of meeting Mithali at her school when she was twelve. This encounter preluded their future collaboration in domestic and national teams.
Domestic Dominance: Veda’s Commanding Presence
In November 2015, Veda Krishnamurthy marked a milestone in women’s cricket. She received a B-grade contract from BCCI, a first for women players. This breakthrough set a precedent, inspiring many.
Karnataka’s cricket scene witnessed history, thanks to Veda Krishnamurthy. She captained the KSCA President’s XI in their inaugural T20 exhibition match.
Her leadership shone brightly. In 2017, the Hobart Hurricanes recognized her talent, signing her for the Women’s Big Bash League season.
Veda continued to excel domestically, leading Karnataka to the final in the 2021 senior domestic one-day trophy. Unfortunately, they fell short against Railways.
December 2023 brought a new opportunity for Veda. The Gujarat Giants signed her for the 2024 Women’s Premier League. This move promises exciting prospects for both Veda and the team.
International Impact: Veda’s Global Influence
Veda Krishnamurthy debuted internationally at 18, scoring 51 against England in June 2011. Her T20 debut against Australia further showcased her prowess.
Veda’s journey included a heart-wrenching near-miss in the 2017 World Cup final against England. Despite her valiant 35 runs, India fell short by nine runs.
Yet, her stellar 70 off 45 against New Zealand remains a highlight. Veda’s performance propelled India into the semi-finals with style.
Pioneering Moves: Veda in the Big Bash League
Veda Krishnamurthy joined an elite group as the third Indian cricketer in the Big Bash. She secured a deal with the Hobart Hurricanes in WBBL’s third season.
Her association with stars like Hayley Matthews and Lauren Winfield elevated the team’s profile.
In October 2018, Veda’s talent earned her a spot in India’s squad for the ICC Women’s World T20 in the West Indies. Her journey continued into the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia, promising exciting cricket action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Veda Krishnamurthy make her international debut in cricket?
Veda Krishnamurthy’s international debut was on June 30, 2011, against England’s Women’s team in Derby, where she scored an impressive 51 runs in her first ODI match.
What are some of Veda Krishnamurthy's significant achievements in domestic cricket?
Veda Krishnamurthy has numerous achievements in domestic cricket. She was the captain of the KSCA President’s XI in their inaugural T20 exhibition match and led Karnataka to the final in the 2021 senior domestic one-day trophy. Additionally, she received a B-grade contract from the BCCI in November 2015.
Has Veda Krishnamurthy played in the Women's Big Bash League?
Yes, Veda Krishnamurthy played in the Women’s Big Bash League. She was signed by the Hobart Hurricanes for the league’s third season, marking her as the third Indian cricketer to join the Big Bash.
