'Going to be a very busy and exciting year for us' – Veda Krishnamurthy

Since her debut in 2011, Krishnamurthy has been one of India's key batters. She has played over 100 internationals and scored over 1,600 runs. And now with the T20 World Cup around the corner, she cannot wait for the fun to begin.

"2020 looks very exciting for women's cricket," she told Times of India. "We have the Women's T20 World Cup coming up this year, followed by the 50-over World Cup that will be held early next year. It is going to be a very busy and exciting year for us. There is a lot at stake, not just for those playing cricket and in the team, but for those who are vying for a spot to play for the nation."

2019 was a decent year for Krishnamurthy in T20 cricket. She compiled her career-best score in T20Is, an unbeaten 57 in India's 5-0 clean sweep of West Indies at home. She hopes she can perform just as well in Australia.

"I have ended the last year well, so I hope I carry forward the same form. Since the World Cup is very close, I hope to continue all that I've been doing for the past three-four months. We've got a core group of members who have been playing together for a while. I am hoping that everything works for us."

Krishnamurthy feels India's trump card in the T20 World Cup will be their spinners, who have performed well in the last couple of years.

"I think our biggest strength are our spinners, they are superior compared to the teams across the world. Our spinners bowl most of the 20 overs, so if our spinners get it right, it will work most in our favour," she said. "Given the firepower that we have in our batting, a good show by the spinners can help boost and complement that."

The 27-year-old also acknowledged that India need to be wary of defending champions Australia, who according to her will be the team to watch out for.

"They [Australia] have been so dominating in the past few years and they are the defending champions playing in their home conditions. They are going to be our biggest competition. But, since it is T20, it is also about who clicks on that day. It depends on the performance on that particular day," she added.

The women's T20 World Cup begins on 21 February with India playing the opener against hosts Australia.