Jersey numbers in cricket are more than about identification. It is about legacy, it is about emotion, it is about stories, personal stories. And in that world, the 18 of the cricketing jersey number is special. The moment you hear someone say, “18”, in a cricketing context, our mind goes towards Virat Kohli and his much-hyped white-ball and may be read-ball jersey. Why is 18 special? Let me take you through a journey from its beginnings, to how players made it significant, to how it was a point of contention to where it is and what the future holds? With 15+ years of cricket writing experience no one writes simpler than I had.
The Origin of Jersey Number 18 in Cricket
How players pick numbers:
Jersey numbers in cricket are necessarily a matter of personal choice, team assignment, or superstition. While some other sports demand that numbers represent a particular position , like soccer or rugby, the cricket standard doesn’t enforce this rigidly. However, When players started wearing numbered shirts, especially in One Day and T20 cricket, the numbers became a part of their brand and identity.
Why number 18?
But in the case of Virat Kohli, he just did not pick the same number because of some grand plan. The fact that explained the following choice was that he said, “When I first got a jersey for the India U19 team, mystically, I was given the number 18”. According to Sportskeeda, two major things happened to him on the 18th: “My father passed away on 18 December 2006, and he played his first game for India on 18 August 2008, making his senior India debut”. As said by NDTV Sports, he described that after two major events, “My father dad on the 18, and then the day I debuted for India was’ the 18th”. This made the connection “cosmic,” and he added, “18 was just a number that was given to me and has now become very special to me.”
So in his case, the number 18 evolved from being assigned to being deeply meaningful.
The Rise of Number 18: Virat Kohli & Beyond
With No. 18: Virat Kohli’s journey
When he wore No. 18, it was worn in all the formats he played, such as ODIs, Tests, IPL, and his franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With consistent wearing and passionate support by the fans, the number became his identity. The 18 jersey symbolises consistence and passion, and excellence, especially because of Kohli’s performances. Such a number is a legend when it is attached to such a long and high-profile player. Fandom and symbolism of associated number
The fans wear his jersey No. 18: it is not just a random shirt. They wear their support and endorsement with the number supporting what the player stands for. The association of 18 with the cricketer because of the debut and personal loss on the same 18 brings about and emotional layer. In commentaries and abbreviations is common to hear “on the man in jersey 18” or “No. 18 on his back”.
Over and beyond: other players and No. 18
Even though Virat is the most high profile wearing the number 18 jersey in Indian cricket, there have been other incidences:
For example, during India A’s (unofficial test) recent series, Mukesh Kumar wore a No. 18 and there were some social media reactions. Some thought highlights how a question if the number should be reserved for exciting talents or should be freely used as long as the player is not a subset.
Table: Key Events Associated with Jersey Number 18 in Cricket
| Date | Event | Significance of Number 18 |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Dec 2006 | Father of Virat Kohli passed away | Emotional tie to “18” |
| 18 Aug 2008 | Virat Kohli made his senior India debut | First major “18” milestone |
| 2023 | Virat publicly explains number 18’s significance | Official acknowledgment |
| Jun 2025 | Mukesh Kumar wears No. 18 for India A vs England L | Debate about number’s legacy |
Why Does the Number Matter?
There are a few reasons why jersey number 18 cricket, and for Virat Kohli, in particular, is so important: *
1. Identity & Branding: After a certain period, a number become part of a player’s brand. When you see *18* in the stadium, you think Virat and his bat-slaps and passionate fielding and must records, right?
2. Emotional Layering: The certain coincidence of three key dates – namely father’s death and debut – with 18 gives the number an emotional or, at times, spiritual flavor.
3. Legacy & Continuity: Since the number has a special connection with amazing performance and long event, some of the youngest who might wear 18 might feel a legacy pressure.
4. Fan Connection: Fans buy jerseys, chant numbers, celebrate milestones. It’s a rallying point.
5. Controversy & Reaction: When someone wears a number, especially in India else 18, it polarizes reactions, mostly so if it’s not Virat. Which means, that the number *18* is more than a number in the cricketing world. For example – ‘Mukesh Kumar wearing our Virat Kohli’s number 18 jersey. How dare he? – A X fan
Controversies Around Number 18
Does number 18 need to be “retired”?
In many sports, a particular player’s number becomes so significant that no one can wear it thereafter – retired number 10 for New York Cosmos football or Magic Johnson’s number 32 for the Los Angeles Lakers. In Indian cricket;
- Sachin Tendulkar’s number 10 and MS Dhoni’s number 7 are considered retired by default
- After Mukesh Kumar wore number 18 for an India A match, fans debated the sacredness of the number. The BCCI states that number 18 is only unchangeable in official team jerseys. mint+1
- Although there is currently no official “retirement” of number 18, many say that it should be “untouchable”.
When future players are given or choose number 18:
- They are reported to be constantly reminded of Virat Kohli or that they should “live up to” the story of number 18
- Many rumors that the players themselves do not want to wear this number, as they are very burdensome
- Social media is also not indifferent, since it is a number of an entire generation.
What Does the Number 18 Symbolise for Fans?
For Indian cricket fans – The Indian Express writes, “For the Indian cricket fan Base, it means hope and emotion. A fan who wore an India jersey with this sacred number, they wore it in hopes of loyalty to Virat’s journey.” At the end of the day, the number also has memories “It’ re related to this number, it’s the kid’s Kohli who will break records and stand behind him” 18. For cricketers who are younger than Kohli, The Indian Express writes that there are some grudges. Some treat Number simply as a dream, in which they are interested. And others are: “If I wear 18, will I win too?” It’s pure Persian Expectation given. Advance – The number Number 18 had become mystical advance. The most important: “Hmmm, 18 years df, 18 shirt on, 18 August will be on the debut.” The basic job of numerology is to pay attention to our work – Identimes wrote about that some Numbers of cricket with About the temperament of 18 essences, and there seem to be some conjuctions, but as a written man, I do not consider numerology as proof.’]
Will Number 18 Continue Its Legacy?
The number 18 is most likely going to remain related to Virat Kohli for a long time to come. Regardless of whether he resigns fully, the number is set. It could be “honoured” by future players picking not to wear it or deciding to keep their number. Regardless, merchandise and fan culture, just as stadium chants, will keep “18” alive. On the other hand: If another cricketer wearing 18 plays inadequately, it is conceivable that the media or fans could curse the number. If number 18 is overused in the future without knowing the number’s true legacy, it will lose some of its meaning. Formal retirement of numbers in cricket is uncommon – even without an official declaration, it is conceivable for number 18 will be worn by others in the future, a fact that will confuse the number’s true legacy. What to look out for: Rookie cricketers given the jersey number 18 – will they accept it or change? Official statements from the BCCI or each country’s cricket team on the retirement or reservation of the number. How regard/unisex merchandise and fan culture treat the number – 18 special editions or commemoration?
Read More: australian men’s cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline
FAQs About Jersey Number 18 in Cricket
Q1. Why did Virat Kohli choose jersey number 18?
A. He didn’t actively choose it initially — it was assigned when he joined India U19. Later, significant dates tied to the 18th of months (his debut on Aug 18, his father’s death on Dec 18) gave the number emotional meaning. Sportskeeda+1
Q2. Can any player wear number 18 now in Indian cricket?
A. Yes, technically they can. But due to the emotional weight of 18, players and fans are cautious. For some levels (India A), numbers are not fixed.
Q3. Are jersey numbers retired in Indian cricket?
A. There’s no formal consistent rule. Some numbers like 7 (Dhoni) and 10 (Tendulkar) are rarely reassigned. Whether number 18 will be formally retired remains uncertain.
Q4. Does number 18 guarantee performance?
A. No. A number alone doesn’t determine performance. It’s the player’s skill, mindset and team support that matter. The number is more symbolic than functional.
Q5. Why do fans buy the number 18 jersey
A. Because the number represents a symbol of excellence, loyalty and emotion (for Virat Kohli’s career). Wearing it can feel like being part of that legend.
Conclusion
A jersey number is not just a digit on a shirt; it carries an equal amount of emotions, stories, and legacy. In the case of Virat Kohli, kohli’s cricketing career being larger than a decade, number 18 became an arbitrary transformation to an icon. It will continue to echo for fans, for players, and for cricket culture long after the last ball has been bowled. The legacy of Jersey Number 18 in Cricket is already written, whether this means it will be donned again, like the thought It brings a nostalgia to many”“18” on jersey someone whether whosoever. A reminder that sometimes, in sport, a number changes much more than a number.
