For Knights wicketkeeper Verunissa Reddy, cricket has always been more than just a sport, it is a lifelong passion. In the 2024/25 season, her talents have come to the fore in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series.
The 28-year-old has been a leading performer behind the stumps in the Hollywoodbets Pro 50 competition, claiming 12 dismissals, including 10 catches and two stumpings, as she continues to play a crucial role in her Free State-based side’s battle to retain their top-flight status.
Born in Durban, Reddy’s love for cricket began at a young age, deeply influenced by her grandfather, who regularly took her to the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium to watch the Hollywoodbets Dolphins. Later, while living in Johannesburg, she would also make regular trips to the DP World Wanderers Stadium, further cementing her passion for the game.
“The excitement of the matches, the skill involved and the camaraderie among players all drew me in. I started playing with friends and quickly became hooked on the challenge and strategy of the game. The more I played, the more I appreciated the mental and physical aspects of cricket and it became a true passion,” she shared.
Despite hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Reddy’s senior cricket career began in the east of Johannesburg with Eastern Storm under the previous semi-professional provincial structure.
When Cricket South Africa professionalised women’s domestic cricket in 2023, in collaboration with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Reddy’s dream of becoming a professional cricketer became a reality. when she was recruited by the newly promoted Knights at the start of the 2023/24 season.
The transition from semi-professional to full-time professional cricket brought new challenges.
“Moving from the Eastern Storm to the Knights was definitely a significant step in my career, transitioning from semi-professional cricket to a full professional contract.
“The biggest challenges I faced were adjusting to the increased intensity and expectations. As a semi-professional, you balance cricket with other commitments but as a full-time professional, the game becomes your primary focus. This meant adapting to a more demanding training schedule, improving fitness levels and managing recovery effectively.
“I adapted by focusing on continuous improvement, refining my skills, staying mentally strong and using the resources available at the professional level, like top-tier coaching and support. The transition wasn’t easy but it was a rewarding experience that pushed me to grow as both a player and a person,” Reddy explained.
Reddy credits much of her development as a cricketer to influential mentors and cricketing idols.
“I've always looked up to Sarah Taylor and Trisha Chetty. Their consistency, ability to perform under pressure and leadership on and off the field really resonated with me.
“At Eastern Storm, I had some excellent coaching staff who helped me hone my skills, particularly in terms of glove positioning and reading the game.
“There were also specific wicket-keeping coaches who fine-tuned my techniques and helped me focus on the mental aspects of the role. The support from my coach at Limitless Cricket Academy, Tsepo Mahamba, as well as my former coach Adele Van Eck, helped me understand the nuances of the position, like working on reaction time and managing pressure. Their guidance has been crucial in shaping my career and improving my craft as a wicketkeeper,” she noted.
The 2024/25 season has been challenging for the Knights, who are struggling at the bottom of the log. However, Reddy remains committed to improving and helping the team push forward.
"Individually, I’m focused on improving my game and staying resilient. As a team, we’re handling the pressure by sticking to the process, staying positive and working hard in training,” she said.
With the remainder of the season and the year ahead, Reddy has clear aspirations.
“My main goals are to keep improving as a wicketkeeper and batter, develop consistency in my performances and progress in my career. I aim to eventually represent my country and become a more well-rounded player, contributing in all aspects of the game,” she concluded.
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