Home Blog
3 Min Read
In the world of cricket, certain numbers transcend the game. They become symbols of greatness, etched into the hearts of fans and the history of the sport. For Indian cricket, Virat Kohli’s No. 18 is one such number—a jersey that, for 14 years, represented not just a player but a phenomenon. Now, with Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket in May, the Indian Test team faces a future without its iconic No. 18. And if history is any guide, no one will dare to wear it again.
Kohli’s No. 18 isn’t just a number—it’s a legacy. Over the years, it has become synonymous with his relentless drive, his record-shattering performances, and his unparalleled passion for the game. From his Test debut in 2011 to his final bow, Kohli wore the No. 18 with pride, making it one of the most recognized jerseys in cricket. It’s no surprise that, just like Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10 and Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s No. 7, Kohli’s No. 18 is unlikely to be donned by any new player in the Indian Test squad.
Recently, Bengal seamer Mukesh Kumar was spotted wearing the No. 18 jersey during an India A match against England Lions in Canterbury. The sight sent ripples through the cricketing community, but as it turns out, it was much ado about nothing. A senior BCCI official clarified, “For India A matches, jersey numbers aren’t fixed, and players can pick any number. It’s only in international games that numbers are sacrosanct.” So, while Mukesh wore No. 18 in that unofficial ‘Test,’ his senior team jersey remains No. 49, which he wore during his debut in the West Indies.
With Kohli’s Test retirement, the Indian squad welcomes fresh talent like B Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh. But rest assured, neither will be stepping into Kohli’s shoes—or rather, his jersey. The BCCI has allocated different numbers to the newcomers, respecting the unwritten code that certain numbers carry too much weight to be casually reassigned. It’s a tradition, not a rule, but one that speaks volumes about the reverence for cricketing legends.
Indian cricket doesn’t formally retire jersey numbers, but some are quietly off-limits. Tendulkar’s No. 10, for instance, was briefly worn by Shardul Thakur in an ODI against Sri Lanka, but fan backlash was swift and fierce. Thakur quickly switched numbers, and no one has touched No. 10 since. Similarly, Dhoni’s No. 7 remains untouched post his retirement. Kohli’s No. 18 is poised to join this elite club—a number too iconic, too beloved, to be worn by anyone else.
Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket is immeasurable. His aggressive captaincy, his insatiable hunger for runs, and his ability to inspire a generation have left an indelible mark. The No. 18 jersey isn’t just fabric; it’s a symbol of his journey, his struggles, and his triumphs. As Kohli continues to don the No. 18 in ODIs, the Test version of his jersey will remain a relic of his golden era—a number that, for now, belongs to history.
In a sport where legacies are built over decades, some numbers become immortal. Virat Kohli’s No. 18 is one of them. And as the Indian Test team moves forward, it does so with a jersey that, for the foreseeable future, will remain untouched—a tribute to a king who once ruled the crease.
