Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, loved by millions of people. When we watch cricket matches, we often notice players wearing colorful jerseys with numbers on their backs. People call these numbers jersey numbers, and they consider them an important part of a cricketer’s identity on the field. Just like a name, a jersey number helps fans, commentators, and teammates recognize the player quickly during the game. Jersey numbers in cricket are not just random digits. Many players choose their numbers for personal reasons. Some pick their lucky numbers, while others choose a number that has special meaning in their lives—like a birthday, a favorite number from childhood, or even something based on astrology or belief. For example, some famous players have worn the same jersey number throughout their careers, and fans often remember them by that number.
In cricket, teams mainly use jersey numbers in limited-overs formats like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches, where players wear colored clothing. In Test matches, players usually wear plain white uniforms, and teams use jersey numbers less commonly, although they introduced them in recent years for better identification. Jersey numbers also add a sense of style and uniqueness to the game. They make each player stand out and can sometimes even become iconic. Just like in other sports, cricket jersey numbers have become part of the game’s culture and history. In this article, we are talking about Jersey Number. So, keep reading to know more about it.
Jersey Number in Cricket
Indian cricket is more than just a game; it’s a heartwarming tale of the solidarity of hundreds of millions of people across the nation. Each game tells a tale of struggle, fervour, and willpower, and the players that don jersey numbers represent their own paths. The numbers are more than simply a few numbers; they represent the hopes of hundreds of numbers’ admirers, the memories of titanic struggles, and flashes of sudden genius.
From humble origins, Indian cricket has developed into a talented and innovative team over the years. Jerseys with numbers gave the game a more intimate feel. Well-known numbers like MS Dhoni’s 7 and Sachin Tendulkar’s 10 have come to represent inspiration and hope. Players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli proudly display their numbers today, securing their spots in cricket history. Whether it’s a tribute to a former legend or the promise of a rising star, each jersey number now has a narrative to tell. From Virat Kohli’s 18 to Sachin Tendulkar’s famous 10, these numerals have come to represent brilliance.
Jersey Number 18
In the world of cricket, these numbers are more than just numbers. They often carry personal meaning for the players who wear them. One of the most famous jersey numbers in modern cricket is number 18. Because this number belongs to one of the greatest batsmen of this generation, Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has worn jersey number 18 throughout his international career. This number has become closely connected with him. Many fans now recognize number 18 as “Virat’s number.” But the reason behind this number is deeply emotional and personal. Read Also: Chennai Super Kings: Players, MS Dhoni, Jadeja, and More
Virat Kohli chose jersey number 18 because it was the date when his father, Prem Kohli, passed away—December 18, 2006. At that time, Virat was only 18 years old and playing in a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi. Despite the tragedy, he showed great dedication and continued to play the match, scoring a brave 90 runs. That day became a turning point in his life. Since then, number 18 has held special importance for him, and he has carried it as a tribute to his father.
Over the years, jersey number 18 has become iconic because of Virat’s incredible performances. He made his international debut in 2008. Since then, he has become one of the top batsmen in the world. His records include over 70 centuries, more than 25,000 runs, and many match-winning innings for India in all formats—Test, ODI, and T20. Every time he steps onto the field wearing number 18, fans cheer loudly, knowing that he gives his best in every game.
Jersey Number 7
Jersey number 7 is one of the most famous numbers in the history of cricket. This number is strongly linked with Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni), one of the greatest Indian cricket captains. When fans see jersey number 7, they immediately think of Dhoni because he wore it throughout his international career. MS Dhoni was born on July 7, 1981, and that is one of the main reasons he chose the number 7. For him, this number is simple, lucky, and special. Over the years, he wore it proudly while playing for India and for his IPL team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Dhoni made his international debut in 2004. He became famous for his calm mind, strong leadership, and finishing matches under pressure. As captain, he led India to many big victories, including:
- ICC T20 World Cup in 2007
- ICC ODI World Cup in 2011
- ICC Champions Trophy in 2013
These achievements made Dhoni a legend, and jersey number 7 became a symbol of success, coolness, and leadership. Many young players and fans around the world have started wearing number 7 because they admire Dhoni. For them, it’s more than just a number—it’s a way to feel connected to their hero. After Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, the number 7 jersey was not officially retired by the Indian cricket board (BCCI), but out of respect, no new player has been seen wearing it in international matches for India. This shows how special Dhoni and his number are to Indian cricket.
Jersey Number 10
Jersey number 10 is a very special number in the world of cricket. It is closely connected to Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Sachin wore the number 10 jersey for India during his long and successful career. Because of him, this number has become iconic and respected by cricket fans everywhere. Sachin Tendulkar made his debut for the Indian cricket team in 1989 when he was just 16 years old. He played international cricket for 24 years and became known as the “Master Blaster”. He broke many records, including being the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries and the first player to score 200 runs in a One Day International (ODI). Then, he retired from international cricket in 2013.
The number 10 on Sachin’s jersey became very popular because of his amazing performances and the love fans had for him. People used to wear number 10 jerseys in stadiums to show support for him. Even after his retirement, the number 10 remains connected to Sachin in the hearts of cricket lovers. After Sachin retired, another Indian fast bowler, Shardul Thakur, wore the number 10 jersey in an ODI match in 2017. This led to strong reactions from fans who felt that the number 10 should be kept only for Sachin. Due to this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to unofficially retire jersey number 10 out of respect for Tendulkar. Since then, no Indian cricketer has worn number 10 in international cricket.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
What is a jersey number in cricket?
A jersey number is the number printed on the back of a cricketer’s shirt. It helps fans, umpires, and commentators identify players easily during a match.
When did jersey numbers start being used in cricket?
Players started using jersey numbers in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in the 1990s, when they began wearing colored uniforms. Later, players also started using them in T20 matches and now even in Test matches (since 2019).
Who decides the jersey number for a player?
Most of the time, players choose their own jersey numbers. They often pick a number that is lucky for them or has personal meaning, like a birth date or favorite digit.
Can two players have the same jersey number?
No, in the same team, each player must have a different jersey number. If two players want the same number, one has to pick a different one.
Are jersey numbers used in Test cricket?
Yes, since 2019, jersey numbers have been allowed in Test matches. Players wear white kits with their names and numbers on the back, mainly to help viewers recognize them.
Why is jersey number 10 special in cricket?
Jersey number 10 is famous because it was worn by Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest cricketers. After his retirement, the number 10 jersey was unofficially retired by the Indian cricket board (BCCI).
Which famous player wears jersey number 7?
MS Dhoni, former Indian captain, wore jersey number 7. He chose it because he was born on July 7, and it became very popular due to his success and calm personality.
Who wears jersey number 18 in cricket?
Virat Kohli, one of the best batsmen in the world, wears jersey number 18. He chose it to remember the day his father passed away (December 18, 2006).
Can players change their jersey numbers?
Yes, players can change their jersey numbers, but most prefer to keep the same number for their entire career if possible.
Why do fans care about jersey numbers?
Fans often feel connected to their favorite players through jersey numbers. Many buy jerseys with the same number to show support and respect for the cricketer they admire.
