The number on a jersey is more than just a statistic. In sports, it’s a legacy, a symbol of excellence, and sometimes, a national emotion. That’s precisely why the recent controversy surrounding Indian pacer Mukesh Kumar wearing the No. 18 jersey—associated for over a decade with Virat Kohli—sparked a social media storm. The visuals from India A’s match against England Lions at Canterbury triggered a wave of backlash, with fans accusing the BCCI of showing disrespect to one of India’s greatest-ever cricketers.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now broken its silence. But the question remains: Should Virat Kohli’s iconic No. 18 jersey be officially retired from Indian cricket?
The Incident: When a Number Made Headlines
During India A’s unofficial Test against the England Lions, Mukesh Kumar took the field wearing jersey No. 18. For any casual observer, it might have passed without notice. But to Indian cricket fans, that number is sacred. It belongs to Virat Kohli—the face of Indian cricket for over a decade, the player who carried the team through transitions, triumphs, and turbulence.
Having recently retired from Test cricket, Kohli’s association with No. 18 has now entered the realm of nostalgia. So when another player wore it, it hit an emotional nerve. The backlash was immediate. Social media was flooded with criticism, not just against Mukesh Kumar—who had no control over the larger symbolism—but also against the BCCI for allowing such a mix-up.
BCCI Responds: “No Formal Process to Retire Jerseys”
In response to the controversy, a senior BCCI official clarified to PTI that India A matches don’t follow the same strict jersey number protocols as senior international games. Players are allowed to use any number, especially when their preferred one is unavailable. The official also noted that Mukesh Kumar’s international jersey number is still No. 49, the one he wore when he debuted in the West Indies.
The clarification, while technically accurate, doesn’t fully address the emotional disconnect many fans feel.
Cricket and Jersey Retirement: A Cultural Grey Zone
Unlike football or basketball, cricket doesn’t officially retire jersey numbers across most national teams. Yet, informal practices often become de facto rules. Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10 jersey, for example, hasn’t been worn since Shardul Thakur faced fan wrath for trying it out. Similarly, MS Dhoni’s No. 7 hasn’t been seen on another Indian cricketer since his retirement.
So why the inconsistency?
The truth is, cricket boards often leave such decisions unwritten, relying on tradition and player/fan sentiment to maintain the sanctity of legendary numbers. That approach works—until it doesn’t, as seen with the Kohli episode.
Why No. 18 Matters
For fans of modern Indian cricket, No. 18 is more than a number. It represents Kohli’s meteoric rise, his unmatched passion, and his aggressive brand of cricket. From a teenage debutant in Sri Lanka in 2008 to becoming one of the greatest batters of his generation, Kohli has worn No. 18 with pride in all formats. It became part of his brand, his identity, and eventually, part of cricketing folklore.
Retiring this number, then, wouldn’t just be a tribute. It would be an acknowledgment of his unmatched contributions—much like what No. 23 is to Michael Jordan or No. 10 to Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
Fan Sentiment: Loud and Clear
The online outrage might appear over-the-top to some, but it reflects a real emotional bond between Indian fans and their cricketing icons. It’s not about statistics or technicalities—it’s about respect and legacy.
The fans have spoken: Kohli’s No. 18 deserves the same silent retirement as Tendulkar’s 10 and Dhoni’s 7.
What Happens Next?
So far, the BCCI has not committed to any policy changes. But the incident with Mukesh Kumar has reignited an important debate in Indian cricket: Should there be an official policy for retiring jersey numbers of iconic players?
Such a move wouldn’t just prevent future controversies. It would provide clarity, honor legends appropriately, and set a standard for future generations.
Final Thoughts: Honor the Legacy
In a sport built on tradition and legacy, some symbols carry weight that rules alone can’t define. Kohli’s No. 18 is one such symbol. The jersey has seen centuries, sledges, run chases, and records broken. It has been kissed in triumph and worn in heartbreak.
Now that Kohli has stepped away from Test cricket, perhaps it’s time for Indian cricket to take a cue from its own fanbase—and let No. 18 retire gracefully, permanently etched into the annals of Indian cricket history.
What do you think? Should Virat Kohli's jersey number be retired like Sachin's and Dhoni’s? Share your views in the comments.
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