Is Veda Krishnamurthy on the verge of becoming the first Indian cricketer to play in the Big Bash League?
Except for the obvious difference in raw power, everything is same between men's and women's cricketers. Swinging the bat isn't as common. But the paddle sweeps, square cuts, and flicks are all there.
As a middle-order batswoman, Veda Krishnamurthy's record is pretty impressive, but she is yet to test herself on uncharted waters and a stint with a Big Bash League franchise will provide her with that opportunity.
Now with inaugural champions Sydney Thunder skipper Alex Blackwell confirming that they have their eye on Veda Krishnamurthy along with a couple of other stars, it is certainly good times for Indian cricket.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, she says, "I am glad that people are talking about me and other cricketers. But it needs to be seen who fits in their squad and what requirement they have at this moment."
Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jhulan Goswami are the other Indians on the radar of both Thunder and runners-up Sydney Sixers.
The 23-year old from Kadur in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka adds, "I will give it a thought if any opportunity arises or I’m offered to play in a prestigious league like BBL."
The Big Bash League has already established itself as the second-best T20 tournament after the very famous Indian Premier League (IPL), so it should come as little surprise if our women cricketers benefit greatly from the competition.
Started as a gully cricketer, played with boys in her initial years
It was only in Class 7 that she garnered the courage to go up to her father and confess her love for the game. "I showed my father a newspaper advertisement about a trial camp in Karnataka Institute of Cricket and he took me the next day to that camp. That's how the journey began."
Irfan Sait was impressed with her fielding efforts and batting techniques that day. The rest, as they say, is history.
The middle order batswoman recalls, "It has been a roller-coaster ride for me since then. Earlier, everyone used to come and tell me - I have the potential to play for India. But only in 2010, did I realize that I can don the Indian jersey."
Fifty in debut match at the age of 18
In her debut match against England Women, she scored a fifty to steer India out of a tricky situation. "I was among runs that year and was expecting a call-up. I was sure of getting a chance in the series against West Indies which unfortunately did not take place. But then series against England has to be my favorite and the one I want to cherish for a long time,” adds Veda.
On being asked the biggest sporting highlight of her career, she says, "The 63, I scored against New Zealand in my comeback series gave me a lot of confidence. Not to forget, my 36 against Australia in the first T20 of the 3-match series which is our highest ever chase in T20 Internationals."
The former captain of Karnataka under-19 team usually comes at number 5 but she batted after the fall of the first wicket which makes it even more special.
A fan of Michael Clarke and Kevin Pietersen, Veda is a brilliant fielder both inside the 30-yard circle and out of it. She was selected in the Karnataka state team because of her fielding skills. It won't be wrong to term her a specialist.
"One needs good reflexes, soft hands, good concentration for good fielding. I used to practice karate, so all these were never an issue. It comes naturally to me," she signs off.
A stint in Australia with world-class cricketers can only develop her as a fielder and increase her hitting ability. The men's Champions Trophy is next year and already everyone knows about it through social media and advertising.
On the other hand, Australia is truly promoting women's cricket.Yes. The viability is increasing. Why not a women’s IPL? Short and sweet tournament.