Veda Krishnamurthy signs with Hobart Hurricanes for WBBL

Veda Krishnamurthy has signed for Hobart Hurricanes for the third edition of the Women’s Big Bash League and is the third Indian to do so after women’s team opener Smriti Mandhana and T20I skipper Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar. She will play for Hobart Hurricanes under the leadership of Heather Knight, the skipper of world champions England’s women team. The third edition of WBBL will start from December 09, 2017 and Veda Krishnamurthy will be available until January 15, 2018, after which she will return to join the national team for preparation for a series against South Africa. Krishnamurthy has stated that she would be available for only 10 matches and will miss the last stage of the tournament. The final of the WBBL ’s third edition is scheduled for February 04, 2018.

 

“The offer came about a month ago. I was pleasantly surprised because I wasn't expecting it," Krishnamurthy said. "Because our South Africa tour dates weren't announced then. We were expecting it to be in January, so there was some confusion if I'd be able to take up the offer. Initially, they wanted my availability for the full season but now they’re okay with me missing the last stage of the tournament accommodated the South Africa tour in February”. Currently, Harmanpreet Kaur (Sydney Thunder) and Veda Krishnamurthy (Hobart Hurricanes) are the two Indian players in the WBBL line-up. Smriti Mandhana, who played for Brisbane Heat last year could miss the tournament this season. It is not yet clear if the franchise will renew her contract.

 

"I spoke to Harman and Smriti about the experiences and the expectations. It’s really a great experience for playing a brand new team and country", said Krishnamurthy. Veda Krishnamurthy is a key player of the Indian squad and has proved her worth in the Women’s World Cup 2017. She was not in the playing XI for the first three matches but was called-in for the fourth match against Sri Lanka. She played a crucial 70 runs knock in 45 balls in a must-win game against New Zealand. She played six matches of the WWC17 in which she batted in only 5; facing 136 balls during which she scored 153 runs with a 110+ strike rate. She fought bravely in the final against England women and contributed 35 runs in 34 balls but her innings couldn’t save the team.

 

Congratulations! Veda ‘Versatile’ Krishnamurthy form the entire team of Women's Criczone for this wonderful achievement.