New Delhi: Virat Kohli’s association with jersey number 18 is set to remain unmatched at least in the Indian Test team for the foreseeable future. The iconic number, worn by Kohli for 14 years during his illustrious international career, won’t be carried forward by any new player in the Test squad anytime soon.
Mukesh Kumar was seen wearing the No. 18 jersey in the opening unofficial Test between India A and England Lions in Canterbury. Reports suggest that no one is interested in taking on the responsibility that comes with wearing No. 18. Fans were quick to question the choice, given Kohli’s legacy and the emotional connections many supporters have with the number.
However, a senior BCCI source told PTI, “Mukesh wore No. 18 during the opening ‘Test’ match versus Lions. But when it comes to India A squad, there are no fixed numbers as jerseys don’t have names. Anyone can pick any random number. The jersey numbers are only sacrosanct for international games.”
Mukesh Kumar is not part of the current Test squad, and even if he is picked for the Senior team as a replacement, he is expected to continue with jersey No.49, which he has worn since his debut in the West Indies.
The Indian Test team has also welcomed two new faces, B Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh. But according to the BCCI, both players have been assigned different jersey numbers, avoiding any conflict with Kohli’s.
While there is no formal process in Indian cricket to retire jersey numbers, certain iconic figures like Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10 and Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s No. 7 have, in practice, remained untouched after their retirements. A similar sentiment seems to be forming around Kohli’s No. 18, with many feeling it’s too soon and too heavy a burden for any newcomer to bear.
Shardul Thakur has once worn the No.10 in an ODI against Sri Lanka, which drew considerable backlash from fans who felt the number should have been left alone after Tendulkar’s retirement. Thakur quickly changed his number, highlighting the cultural weight that certain numbers hold in Indian cricket.
Kohli’s impact on the game is huge, and the emotional bond fans share with his jersey is understandable why no one is rushing to claim it. The legacy of No. 18 will continue to resonate with cricket fans across the world even if no one else wears it in the near future.
The Indian Test team won’t have anyone wearing Kohli’s iconic No.18 jersey in the near future after Mukesh Kumar was seen wearing the number during India A’s match against England Lions. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
